Option 1 – Shoebill, Gorillas, and Chimps

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe (EBB) Start Date May 19th

• Activities:

  • Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

  • Meet and greet by your local guide, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

  • Relax and prepare for your adventure.

• Local Highlights:

  • Entebbe is a quiet lakeside town with lush greenery and Lake Victoria's serene waters.

    Conference

    
    Enjoy a relaxing day to prepare for the exciting conference ahead.

    May 21st:
    Kick off the conference with engaging informational sessions led by industry speakers. Participate in one-on-one meetings with Uganda’s top service providers and hotel representatives.

    May 22nd:
    Attend the Trade Show and continue networking with one-on-one meetings. Explore opportunities to connect with suppliers and learn about Uganda's travel and hospitality offerings.

    May 23rd:
    The conference continues with additional sessions and networking opportunities, deepening your understanding of Uganda’s unique travel landscape.

    May 24th:
    Enjoy a Fun Day and Boat Regatta to celebrate the conclusion of the conference. Network in a more relaxed setting and soak in the beauty of Uganda’s lakeside scenery. For some, this may also be a departure day.

    May 25th:
    Depart for the above chosen FAM Trip

Day 1 FAM : Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

• Morning Activity:

  • Depart early for Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda's premier birding destinations.

  • Guided canoe excursion (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) to search for the elusive shoebill stork, along with sightings of papyrus gonoleks, African jacanas, and malachite kingfishers.

• Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park:

  • Scenic drive through central Uganda, passing rural villages and rolling hills.

  • Arrive at Lake Mburo in time for an evening relaxation or optional activities.

• Local Highlights:

  • Mabamba Swamp is a Ramsar site, recognized for its importance in wetland conservation.

  • Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah park but rich in wildlife, including zebras, impalas, and hippos.

Day 2: Activities in Lake Mburo National Park

• Morning Activities (Choice of):

  • Game Drive: Spot zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and a variety of antelopes, including the rare eland.

  • Guided Nature Walk: Explore the park on foot with a ranger, offering a closer connection to nature.

  • Horseback Safari: Unique opportunity to ride through the savannah, observing wildlife at close range.

• Afternoon Activity:

  • Boat ride on Lake Mburo to see crocodiles, hippos, and waterbirds such as African fish eagles and kingfishers.

• Evening Activity:

  • Night game drive to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, porcupines, and bush babies.

• Local Highlights:

  • Lake Mburo is the only Ugandan park where horseback safaris are available, offering a distinct experience.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

• Scenic Drive (Approx. 5 hours):

  • Travel through Uganda’s picturesque southwestern highlands, known as the “Switzerland of Africa.”

  • Pass tea plantations, terraced hillsides, and local villages.

  • En route, enjoy photo stops and cultural interactions with friendly locals.

• Local Highlights:

  • Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience

• Morning Activity:

  • Early morning briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, followed by a guided gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Spend up to one hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat, watching their interactions and behaviors.

  • Trekking duration varies (3–6 hours), depending on the gorillas' location.

• Afternoon Activity:

  • Visit the Batwa Pygmy community for an immersive cultural experience, including traditional music, dances, and storytelling.

  • Explore local village markets showcasing handmade crafts and local produce.

• Local Highlights:

  • Gorilla trekking supports conservation and community development projects, ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

• Scenic Drive (Approx. 6–7 hours):

  • Travel through scenic landscapes, including the beautiful Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for tree-climbing lions (optional en route stop).

  • Pass through Fort Portal, a picturesque town with stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

• Local Highlights:

  • Kibale Forest is known as the primate capital of the world, home to 13 primate species.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Community Visit

• Morning Activity:

  • Guided chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.

  • Observe these highly social primates as they feed, play, and interact in their natural environment.

  • Learn about chimpanzee conservation efforts from expert rangers.

• Afternoon Activity:

  • Visit a nearby community to experience rural Ugandan culture, including traditional dances and crafts.

  • Optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers and home to primates such as black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys.

• Local Highlights:

  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a rich array of biodiversity and is a community-led conservation project.

Day 7 Transfer to Entebbe

• Scenic Drive Back (Approx. 6 hours):

  • Return journey to Entebbe, with opportunities to stop for lunch and shopping at craft markets.

• Optional Activity:

  • Visit the equator for photo opportunities and demonstrations of the Coriolis effect.

• Local Highlights:

  • The equator stop is a popular tourist landmark, offering insights into the geographic significance of Uganda.

Day 8
Arrive and unwind in the serene surroundings of Entebbe. Enjoy a relaxing day to prepare for the exciting conference ahead.
Final departure day. Bid farewell to Uganda, enriched with new knowledge, partnerships, and unforgettable experiences.

Inclusions:

• Deluxe and luxury Accommodation

• Transportation

• All Meals

• Conference, meetings, trade show and Fun day boat regatta and food festival.

• Shoebill viewing at Mabamba Swamp.

• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits.

• Wildlife safaris, nature walks, and boat rides.

• Visits to Batwa community and local villages.

Key Notes:

• This itinerary blends iconic wildlife encounters with cultural immersion, showcasing Uganda’s southwest region.

• Ideal for travel agents seeking to promote Uganda’s gorilla trekking, rich biodiversity, and authentic cultural experiences.