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Go
off the beaten track and
experience
the real Africa in
the
Rwenzori's! Enjoy the
mountainous
areas of natural
beauty
while experiencing the
fascinating
culture of the
local
communities.
|
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ENTEBBE
You
will be welcomed by a representative of Great Lakes Safaris
who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Overnight
at Marble Arch.
Day
2: TRANSFER TO THE RWENZORI MOUNTAIN REGION
After
breakfast we leave the bustling capital city and drive towards
the peaceful, calm town of Fort Portal. Check in at your
homely accommodation with a view of the Mountains of the
Moon. Here you will enjoy lunch before you visit the Tooro
Botanical Gardens, at a walking distance of your guesthouse.
Enjoy a guided walk through the garden full of colourful,
tropical flowers and medicinal plants while you admire the
rich bird life. Later in the afternoon return for dinner
and overnight to Rwenzori View Guesthouse.
Day
3: KASUNGA TEA ESTATE
The Rwenzori
region is famous for the widespread tea plantations and
therefore your experience can’t go without a visit
to a tea estate. Visit the tea plantation, touch the fresh
tea leaves and watch the workers tipping, plucking and weeding.
Of course you are invited to participate! Have a break in
the afternoon and enjoy lunch before you visit the tea factory.
Here you will see the progress of transforming the leaves
to black (made) tea. Your guide will give you a detailed
explanation about the entire progress. And what would be
a visit without the actual tasting of the final product?!
If you wish you can visit Kihingami on the way back where
you can enjoy a short walk through the wetland. Dinner and
overnight at Rwenzori View Guesthouse.
Day
4: CULTURAL INTERACTION
Today you
will visit the Mugusu Market which is the biggest market
in the Rwenzori region. Note that it is only held on a Wednesday;
on other days we will visit the busy Fort Portal market.
Stroll around, have a look at the merchandise and try your
expertise in bargaining with the salesmen. From the market
we will continue to a honey co-operative and organic farming
of bees in Rubona. Watch how honey is collected and learn
about the different honey products. We will end this day
full of cultural interaction with a visit to a basket weavers
association. The women’s group would be delighted
to show you how they weave a basket, which materials are
used and how the bright earth tone natural colours are made.
Don’t hesitate and participate in this craftsmanship!
Dinner and overnight at Rwenzori View Guesthouse.
Day
5: CRATER LAKES EXPEDITION
A full day
to enjoy the natural beauty of the Crater Lakes area! Explore
the numerous clear lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and
hike to the Top of the World. Enjoy the breathtaking view
of the green surroundings, the majestic mountains and even
the wide savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Walk to the hidden Mahoma Falls while you experience the
daily life from firsthand. Take time to meet the inhabitants
as you pass their small villages and learn about the local
crops that are cultivated here. Dinner and overnight at
Rwenzori View Guesthouse.
Day
6: FOOTHILLS OF THE RWENZORI'S
Today you
will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Mountains of the
Moon in its full glory. Have a guided nature walk at the
foothills and learn about the local culture. Enjoy the scenic
views, have a glimpse of the village life and visit a traditional
witchdoctor at his home. We will make a stop at the Amabere
Caves, where you can discover the small hidden waterfall
as we enter the cave and admire the stalagmites, stalactites
and pillars. Adventurous hikers can even hike over the Rwenzori
mountains to Bundibugyo but this requests a good physical
condition. Dinner and overnight at Rwenzori View Guesthouse.
On one
of these nights a cultural evening is awaiting you, with
traditional dances and songs from different tribes.
Day
7: TROPICAL RAIN FOREST AND SWAMPS
We will
leave Fort Portal and head to Kibale Forest. Stop at the
charming village of Bigodi for a traditional lunch at a
local house. In the afternoon enjoy the Bigodi Swamp Walk.
This is an initiative of the local community and supports
the local community projects. The swamp is often referred
to as the “Home of the Great Blue Turaco” and
is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. In
the evening return to your accommodation.
You can either choose for a homestay at a local family living
in Bigodi. Come face to face with the Kitooro traditions
as you eat the same food and sleep under the same roof.
Or you might want to spend the night in the comforts of
the African jungle at Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day
8: CHIMP WALK & VILLAGES
Today the
forest opens it doors for a sensational chimp tracking.
Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety
and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy
a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search
of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white
colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we
transfer to Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different
walk. Follow the village trail for a closer meeting with
Bigodi Village and its inhabitants. Visit a local school,
a Catholic church where they produce peanut butter, different
homesteads and listen to the traditional storytelling from
the Mzee (elderly). Dinner and overnight at either a local
family in Bigodi or Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day
9: RETURN TO KAMPALA
In the
morning we say goodbye to one of the most beautiful regions
in Uganda and we start our journey back to Kampala with
lunch en route. After arrival at your accommodation in the
capital city, spend the afternoon relaxing and reflecting
your unforgettable experiences. Dinner and overnight at
Banda Inn.
Day
10: DEPARTURE
Depending
on your time of departure you might want to explore Kampala
or Entebbe by a city tour and visit some interesting and
historical sites. We will transfer you to the airport for
your flight back home. We are looking forward to seeing
you again!
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Other activities
such as walking up the slopes, or even over the top of the
Rwenzori Mountains; visiting the natural Spa; experiencing
farmers working on their land; or travelling to the Semliki
jungle with its hot springs, can be arranged.
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