The Southern Serengeti Migration and Gorillas of Uganda Files/Holidays/Southern... · 2019-06-14 · The Southern . Serengeti Migration . and Gorillas of Uganda . March 2020 . A photographic

The Southern Serengeti Migration

and Gorillas of Uganda March 2020

A photographic workshop to the wildebeest birthing plains of the Southern Serengeti and the Ngoro

Ngoro crater and Gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Bob Brind-Surch in association with Safari Consultants

The Southern Serengeti Migration and Gorillas of Uganda A photographic workshop to the wildebeest birthing plains of the Southern Serengeti and the Ngoro Ngoro crater followed by Gorilla trekking expedition in Uganda.

Offered nowhere else this unique combination offers the opportunity for a wildlife photographer to combine two incredible wildlife safari spectacles. Timed when the wildebeest calving season is in full swing and big cat activity is at its highest followed by an extension to see and photograph majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.

1st part of Safari – Wildebeest Migration and Calving on Southern Plains of the Serengeti.

Every year in late February/ Early March roughly a million and a half wildebeest gather on the short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti to give birth. Extraordinarily over 500,000 calves are born in the space of a few weeks. The spectacle is truly breath taking, the plains cover many thousands of square miles, so the sense of space is overwhelming. You can drive for hours off road, and never be out of sight – or sound - of wildebeest.

We will time our visit at the end of the very short birthing when aside from the new born wildebeest calves, the plains are literally alive with young animals of all kinds from plains game, to the numerous predators that follow the migrating

herds; lion, leopard, cheetah and in particular hyenas that thrive at this time of year.

The birthing occurs on the short-grass plains that, at the southernmost extent of the wildebeests’ range, spread over the lower northern slopes of the Ngoro Ngoro Crater highlands and are scattered around Olduvai Gorge. Here, at the ‘cradle of mankind’ many notable fossil finds have been discovered, including some of the earliest human skeletons.

The annual period of birthing provides a feast for predators. Driving across the plains, one can count literally hundreds of hyenas and dozens of lions scattered about. It may seem that the wildebeest are doing the predators a favour by dropping their young all at the same time, but in fact a surfeit of wildebeest in very short period results in the predators’ becoming satiated and unable to consume as much as they would if the calving happened over a longer time span. The predators thus have only a limited impact on the population of new born calves indeed any calves born outside this peak time are far more likely to perish.

To watch any birth is amazing but watching the wildebeest birthing verges on the incredible. A new born wildebeest gains co-ordination faster than any other ungulates and is usually on its feet a few minutes after birth. It can run with the herd at the age of 10 minutes and is able to outrun a lioness soon thereafter. Notwithstanding this, many do die within their first year, from predation as well as malnutrition, fatigue or disease. Given the numbers though this actually amounts only to about 1% of the herd.

Each trip will be limited to a maximum of 8 guests and is often less. We will be driving out from Arusha – near mount Kilimanjaro – and stay in comfortable accommodation in a number of locations including Manyara Wildlife Reserve and will also visit the famous Ngoro Ngoro crater – the eighth wonder of the world.

In addition to providing great photographic opportunities, this tour has been carefully designed to offer a wide appreciation of the natural beauty of Africa’s wildlife, people and the environment. The itinerary is constructed to give the maximum time in the field in order to provide you with unrivalled experiences and the very best photographic opportunities. With a maximum of only 8 guests in two vehicles I am always on hand to provide ad-hoc photographic tuition and assistance if required. Working with you in the field and back at the camp, I will attempt to help you improve and refine your photographic skills and understand better digital photography

techniques and how to achieve some memorable images.

The details itinerary follow but we will spend the majority of our time at Kirurumu Serengeti Ndutu camp a comfortable camp with a seasonal luxury rustic tented camp. Kirurumu Serengeti Camp is a unique migrant camp that moves with two wildebeest migratory seasons. It thus provides us with the opportunity to experience the very best that the lush Serengeti National Park has to offer whilst and provide for an authentic African Safari.

The camp is situated in an area right at the southernmost end of the Serengeti but

crucially outside the reserve boundaries thus permitting off road driving. It’s in the very centre of the Wildebeest birthing plains and is often referred to as the Secret Serengeti

I will have vehicles and drivers specifically allocated to our trip and will have no more than 4 guests per vehicle ensuring you will fully

benefit from a “window seat” with excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. When not driving between camps we will leave before sunrise and, after a couple of hour’s game-viewing, stop out on the plains amongst the game for an alfresco but tasty picnic breakfast. After breakfast we will continue our game-drive and return to camp for lunch and a short break when the midday heat and light are too harsh for photography. We will return to the plains in the afternoon for further game viewing and finish at a picturesque location to enjoy a drink as we watch and photograph the setting sun. My drivers and the camp staff will provide me with a daily update on the movements of the local wildlife and we may on some days plan a longer itinerary taking a picnic lunch with us to eat under a tree during the midday heat.

In addition to our stay at Kirurumu Camp we will visit the world famous Ngoro Ngoro crater descending 2,300 feet to the crater floor to explore its unique ecosystem with magnificent black maned lions, some of the largest tuskers still in Africa and if lucky black rhinos as well as all the other cats and wildlife the area is famous for.

2nd part of Safari – Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda.

No other wildlife encounter in Africa matches the astounding experience of spending time face-to-face with wild gorillas. Gorillas are a species are on the brink of extinction and treks are a highly restricted activity. Encountering our distant cousins in mist-draped forests of Bwindi’s

impenetrable forest is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our professional guide and trackers will lead us into the forest’s secret paths, looking for a habituated gorilla family. Once found, we will approach the gorillas quietly and settle down to observe them from between 7 and 10m away.

I keep this trip to a minimum number of guests so that I can give everyone all the help and support they need to come home with some amazing shots of these incredible primates.

Organization and planning of both safaris

The camps and route for both safaris have been especially selected by me working with the UK based company and experts in the region, Safari Consultants. Choosing the right company to arrange your African safari is vitally important and the complexity and remoteness of Africa means you need a company who have detailed knowledge and first-hand experience of the region. Safari Consultants are just such a company and provide me with an unrivalled service. Having specialised in safaris to East and Southern Africa since 1983 they are a company which wants to take the time to understand guests’ requirements and desires and have the ability to create the perfect itinerary to match. This is exactly what I want for you and we have worked very well together for many years. The essence of this safari is that you can enjoy luxury combined with a real wilderness experience in both privacy and comfort whilst concentrating on game viewing and photography.

As well as an experienced photographic guide and naturalist I am a qualified teacher and tutor able to support everyone from the novice photographer to those who are considerably more experienced. My aim is to help you capture this unique location and especially its wildlife. I know the area well and, working with the driver guides, will be on hand at all times to help you master the field techniques required for competent safari photography. My goal is simple, to ensure you have a highly enjoyable holiday where you can concentrate on your photography with truly unique opportunities to view and capture images of the natural world. All this whilst soaking up the very best wilderness experience in a comfortable and magic environment.

The drivers and local guides for both trips are well versed in the requirements of photographers. They know when and where to stop, how best to position you for the available light and are prepared to wait in any location for as long as you require (for the gorillas we can only spend up to 1 hour with a group so as to provide as little disturbance as possible). For the vehicle based part of the safari the drivers are more than prepared to experiment with different vehicle positions so long as this doesn’t stress the animals you are photographing. The animal’s welfare comes first and stressed animals never make good photographs.

Unlike many other African safaris it is never my aim so see as many species as possible but rather to spend time observing animals and birds behaving naturally and as a direct consequence take the very best photos. Although of all my trips this one offers the best opportunity to see the legendary big five that will not be our aim we will instead concentrate on giving you the best opportunities to take stunning and natural photos.

The joint trip will be limited to just 4 guests and the total per person cost will be US$10,140 plus US$1,200 for two gorilla permits. International flights from the UK start at £750.

At the time of writing these notes (late early June 2019) this was approximately £8,033 plus $1,200 for permits or approximately £8,984 including gorilla permits plus UK flights starting at £750.

This is offered here as a combined trip but if you would like to do the Southern Serengeti part only that’s available on my website and if you would like to do the gorilla trekking only please ask for a price.

N.B. Due to the current volatility in the US Dollar and UK Pound exchange rates we have taken the decision to price the holiday in US Dollars and to the airfare separately in UK pounds.

Monies you pay as a deposit will be converted on the day of transfer at that day's exchange rate. If you require this rate can then be "pegged" as the rate to be used when the balance is paid thus ensuring you know the total price of your holiday in sterling in advance. Alternatively you can take a risk on the exchange rates prevailing at the time your deposit is due.

Please see detailed itinerary for breakdown and detailed pricing. I strongly believe that the price I charge should include everything and therefore, unlike many other providers, this price includes all international flights. It also includes all ground transfers as specified, twin/double accommodation on full board basis, game-viewing activities, park/conservation fees as described and UK and airport departure taxes. For more information please refer to the itinerary details section below or contact me directly – contact details as follows.

Natures Photos 12 Stanion Road Brigstock Nr Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 3HW

Tel 01536 373977 or mbl 07983 427202 e-mail [email protected]

Before each trip I try to arrange a get together (guests locations permitting) and will issue you with full guidance on what you require regarding photographic equipment, pre-trip preparations e.g. clothing, medications etc. any local requirements, how to prepare and what to expect whilst in Africa.

Brind-Surch Natures Photos

12 Stanion Road, Brigstock, KETTERING, Northamptonshire, NN14 3HW

This itinerary has been prepared for you by Safari Consultants Ltd.

specialists in travel to East & Southern Africa since 1983

Telephone: 01787 888590 web: safari-consultants.com

a photographic workshop to

Duration: 14 Nights

Designed for travel in March 2020

Designed for travel in March 2020

Day Date

Region Accommodation No. of

nights

Board basis

01 Mar In Flight KLM - London Heathrow to

Amsterdam, connecting to

Kilimanjaro

Meals Included

Arusha Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort &

Spa, Near Arusha

1 Breakfast

02 Mar Lake Manyara National Park Lake Manyara Serena Lodge,

Lake Manyara

1 Full Board

03 Mar Serengeti National Park Kirurumu Serengeti Ndutu

Camp, southern Serengeti

5 Full Board

08 Mar Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Serena,

Ngorongoro Crater

2 Full Board

10 Mar Arusha Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort &

Spa, Near Arusha

1 Room only

11 Mar Bwindi National Park Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi

Impenetrable Forest

3 Full Board

14 Mar Entebbe Boma Guest House, Entebbe Day Room

In Flight KLM - Entebbe to Amsterdam 1 Meals Included

15 Mar In Flight KLM - Amsterdam to London

Heathrow

Land Price in total US$ 10,140.00 Land Price Per person US$ 10,140.00

plus Gorilla permits from US$1200.00 per person

International flights from £750.00 per person using KLM

Please see full itinerary for full costing details/inclusions and exclusions

Sunday 01 March

Economy Class

KLM - London Heathrow to Amsterdam, connecting to

Kilimanjaro

Depart London Heathrow Terminal 4 (or another UK airport) on the early morning

KLM flight to Amsterdam. On arrival, proceed immediately to the departure gate for

your onward connection to the mid-morning daylight KLM flight to Kilimanjaro,

northern Tanzania.

Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa, Near Arusha

One Night

Twin Room

Breakfast

Late evening arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania. After completing

entry requirements, you will be met by the Hoopoe Safaris representative and

transferred through to the Arusha Serena where you overnight in single/twin/double

rooms. Meet up with Bob Brind-Surch at the hotel.

Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa (formerly Lake Duluti Serena Hotel) is a luxury

boutique hotel located on a working coffee estate near Lake Duluti between Arusha

and Kilimanjaro airport. The lodge has accommodation for up to 38 guests is in 19

individual stone and wood chalets spread around indigenous gardens. The chalets have

a contemporary decor and facilities include a TV, minibar, tea and coffee facilities,

hairdryer and room safe. The en suite bathrooms are enormous and all have a free

standing bath and separate shower. To the fore of each chalet is a wooden deck with

views over the coffee plantation. The central areas are home to a small lounge, a bar

and dining room. There is a 50 metre infinity swimming pool plus a small beauty

centre. WiFi is available in the central areas.

Arusha - Introduction

Arusha National Park is often overlooked by visitors intent on seeing its more well-

known neighbours, but this small 200 sq. mile park offers an incredible and beautiful

diversity of habitats. Located near Arusha town and to the east of Mount Meru, the

park includes a band of lowland montane forest which is full of inquisitive blue

monkeys, the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey and colourful turacos and

trogons. In the middle of the forest is the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep,

rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor favoured by buffalo and warthog.

Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the Momela Lakes, each one a different

shade of green or blue or sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos. The

lakes support a wide variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Waterbuck, giraffe

and zebra are commonly seen, and although elephants are uncommon, and lions

absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen in the early morning and

late afternoon.

Mount Meru - the fifth highest in Africa at 4,566 metres (14,990 feet) - who's peaks

and eastern slopes are protected within the national park, dominates the park's

horizon. Mt Meru offers wonderful views of its more famous neighbour Mt

Kilimanjaro, while also being a rewarding, less challenging hike in its own right.

Monday 02 March

One Night

Twin Room

Full Board

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara

After breakfast, depart on safari leaving Usa River for the drive of around 2 and a half

hours westwards through Arusha town and across the central plateau to Lake

Manyara National Park, lying at the foot of the Ngorongoro Highlands within the

Great Rift Valley.

Enter the park and spend the day game-viewing between the impressive escarpment

wall and the lake. A picnic lunch will be taken at a suitable spot.

In the mid-afternoon, depart the park and ascend the escarpment wall into the

highlands arriving at the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge for overnight in twin rooms.

The Lake Manyara Serena is a largish lodge built on the edge of the 900m high

escarpment overlooking Lake Manyara National Park and the Rift Valley beyond. The

lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a series of circular double-storey stone,

wood and thatch chalets, each containing two or three separate bedrooms, which

stretch along the escarpment. Each of the 67 rooms has en suite facilities and a

furnished verandah with spectacular views over Lake Manyara. There is a central

dining area, bar and lounge, and a fantastic pool which is literally perched on the edge

of the escarpment. Wi-Fi is available.

Lake Manyara National Park - Introduction

Lake Manyara National Park lies in the Great Rift Valley at the foot of the

Ngorongoro Highlands. The 325 sq. km park has a charm which is completely

different from other wildlife areas. The terrain consists of five distinct vegetational

zones: groundwater forest with towering mahogany and fig trees, grassy glades,

extensive marshland reeds, parkland scattered with acacia trees and the scrubland of

the 305m high Rift Valley wall, plus the 230 sq. km lake itself. Near the entrance is an

aerial walkway which offers great views over the various vegetational zones - doing

the walk, for which a charge is made, will take around 90 minutes (it's 370m long and

has a maximum height of around 18m/60ft).

Manyara has a high-density population of elephant, particularly young calves. The lions

are known for their 'tree-climbing' habits, but they are not always easy to locate.

Other animals to be found include buffalo, giraffe, leopard, zebra, bushbuck, reedbuck,

waterbuck, impala, gazelle, baboon and both vervet and blue monkey. Near the hot

springs, klipspringer can be observed on the rocky outcrops. Vast numbers of

(migratory) water birds can be seen, particularly flamingo, pelican, stork, sacred ibis,

grebe and cormorant, when the lake if full. In recent years however, this has only

occurred during the rains and for a short time thereafter. The total number of bird

species exceeds 350.

Tuesday 03 March

Five Nights

Twin Tent

Full Board

Kirurumu Serengeti Ndutu Camp, southern Serengeti

After breakfast, depart the hotel for the scenic drive through the highlands and the

town of Karatu to the Ngorongoro Crater. Here you will get the chance to stop at

the viewpoint before continuing to descend onto the plains of the southern Serengeti.

A stop will be made at Olduvai Gorge, the 'Cradle of Mankind', to visit the museum

before travelling onto Kirurumu Serengeti Ndutu Camp where you arrive (by lunch)

for 5 nights in twin tents.

Days are spent exploring the short grass plains, home at this time of year to the

famous wildebeest migration, on game drives hosted by Bob and your guides. Game-

viewing will take place in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area or Serengeti National

Park.

Kirurumu Serengeti Ndutu Camp is a seasonal camp which from December to March

is located just inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area at Ndutu, surrounded by

the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti which attract the migrating herds at

this time of year. The camp consists of ten en suite traditional safari tents and a

central mess area. Each 'walk-in' tent is spacious with proper beds under mosquito

nets (double or twin configuration), bedside tables, luggage storage and 24 hour solar

lighting. To the rear of the tent is the simple bathroom with a basin, bucket shower

and flush toilet. To the front is a private verandah with safari chairs. One of the tents

is a family unit with two bedrooms linked internally by a shared bathroom. The

central mess is very simple with a dining and lounge tent overlooking the plains.

Drinks are usually taken around the camp fire, and meals are often served 'al fresco'.

The main activity from camp is game drives by day. The camp offers a close to nature

experience, but all the basic comforts are provided.

Serengeti National Park - Introduction

With an area of some 14,000 sq. km, Serengeti is probably the best-known wildlife

sanctuary in the world. It contains more than 2,000,000 wildebeest, 500,000

Thomson's gazelle and 250,000 zebra: the largest concentration of plains game in

Africa. More than 30 species of herbivores are found here, plus nearly 500 species of

birds.

The hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra congregate on the southern short

grass plains during the intermittent rainy months from November to March/April,

calving around the end of January when the nutritious grass is at its best. The rut

follows.

Depending on grass/water supply, the start of the Serengeti annual migration begins at

the end of this period, and the herds begin to march north/westwards, 'lowing'

incessantly so that the air hums like a dynamo (zebra first, then the wildebeest and

gazelles). Lion, cheetah, hyaena and wild dog follow, ensuring that only the fittest

survive, while jackals trail behind and vultures circle overhead. The herds reach the

north and western regions from late May and remain there during the dry season

(June to October) where they have access to permanent water. Around

October/November, as the rain clouds gather, the herds head south once more to

calve on those nutritious short grass plains before starting the cycle again. Apart from

the decline of black rhino (from poaching) and wild dog, the wildlife is Serengeti is

thriving. But is a delicate ecosystem, easily affected by drought, overgrazing and

disease.

The Serengeti ecosystem includes the National Park itself, the Ngorongoro

Conservation Area, Maswa Game Reserve and Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve,

together forming one of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on earth.

The landscape was originally formed by volcanic activity in the Ngorongoro highlands

and it varies from the open short grass plains in the south, to savannah and scattered

acacia woodlands in the centre, to extensive woodland and black clay plains in the

west, to hilly wooded grassland in the north. Most of the permanent water is found

towards the northern and western areas, the lack of water and food in the south

being the main reason for the annual migration. Other animals likely to be seen

include giraffe, elephant, buffalo, impala, hippo, and leopard, aside from the

aforementioned predators.

Sunday 08 March

Two Nights

Twin Room

Full Board

Ngorongoro Serena, Ngorongoro Crater

Morning of game-viewing as you leave Ndutu and drive back into the Ngorongoro

Highlands where you arrive at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge for two nights in

single/twin/double rooms. After lunch at the lodge, descend into the Crater for an

afternoon of game-viewing on the floor.

On your full day, enjoy a second excursion into the Crater, taking a picnic lunch to

avoid having to return to the lodge too early.

The Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is a largish lodge situated on the south-west side of

the crater rim. The double-storey accommodation blocks stretch out either side of

the main reception, lounge, dining room and bar, all of which is built on decking under

a huge makuti thatch roof. The 75 rooms are very comfortable, each with en suite

facilities and a private verandah with excellent views over the crater. Wi-Fi is

available.

Ngorongoro Crater - Introduction

The Ngorongoro Crater lies within the 8,000 sq. km Ngorongoro Conservation Area

and is one of the natural scenic wonders of the world. It is part of a chain of ancient

volcanoes which form the Ngorongoro Highlands on the western edge of the Great

Rift Valley. The only active volcano here now is Oldoinyo L'Engai, to the north of the

Ngorongoro itself and at the southern end of Lake Natron.

The magnificent crater is a 'caldera' or collapsed crater which is 16-19 km in diameter

with an unbroken rim and has a floor area of 168 sq. kms. The altitude of the crater

rim is around 7,000ft, the floor some 2000ft below.

The crater contains a large animal population throughout the year, with many

impressive black-maned lion, plus elephant, black rhino, buffalo, hippo, hyaena, eland,

zebra, gazelle, ostrich and wildebeest (wildebeest calving occurs around January). The

birdlife is prolific too, with flocks of flamingos on the crater lake. Maasai people are

encountered here too, as the region is inhabited by 12,000 Maasai pastoralists with

100,000 head of cattle, co-existing with the resident game.

The Crater floor has a number of habitats - the southern side includes a number of

'crater lakes' and an extensive acacia woodland, whereas to the northern side the

habitat is one of open grassland. Thick montane forests cover the steep sides and rim.

Through mismanagement and no doubt corruption, the authorities have failed in their

attempts to control the number of vehicles entering the crater and due to the limited

road network, the floor can be subject to overcrowding particularly in the busier

tourist months (July to September, Christmas/New Year). No off-road driving is

allowed. The crater is only accessible during daylight hours.

Tuesday 10 March

One Night

Twin Room

Room only

Arusha Serena Hotel, Resort & Spa, Near Arusha

A leisurely morning to enjoy the Crater as the sun rises. Afterwards, depart the lodge

for the drive of around 4 hours back to Arusha where you'll arrive in the early

afternoon for lunch at the Arusha Serena. The afternoon is at leisure to relax after

your safari. Overnight in a twin room.

Wednesday 11 March

Three Nights

Twin Chalet

Full-Board

Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

In the very early morning, you will be met by Hoopoe Safaris and transferred through

to Kilimanjaro International Airport where you connect with the scheduled Kenya

Airways flight (departing around 04h00) to Nairobi. On arrival here, remain in transit

and connect with the onward Kenya Airways flight to Entebbe, Uganda.

On arrival, complete entry formalities for Uganda before you're met by the Primate

Safaris representative for a gorilla safari briefing. Later, connect with the scheduled

AeroLink air transfer service, departing at 12h45, to Kihihi in western Uganda. On

arrival, you will be met by the lodge transfer service and transferred (90-120 minutes)

through to the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you arrive at Buhoma

Lodge for three nights in a twin room. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after

your extensive travels and prepare for your first gorilla trek in the morning.

On the 12th and 13th, transfer through to the park for your gorilla trekking

excursions. After each trek, transfer back to Bwindi. The rest of each day is

at leisure to relax at the lodge or explore the village.

Buhoma Lodge commands a wonderful view over the valley into the Bwindi

Impenetrable Forest. The property is located on a hillside just inside Bwindi

Impenetrable Forest, only 5 minutes walk from the park gate. Each of the ten

comfortable cottages (made from timber with gauze windows and thatch roofs) have

en suite facilities with hot/cold running water and flush loos. They also have a private

verandah with views over the forest. Lighting and power is provided by solar and

available between 5pm and 8am, although they may be going onto mains electricity in

mid-2018. One of the cottages is a family room with an extra sitting area which can

be used for extra beds. The central building is raised off the ground and open fronted

with views towards the forest and includes a cosy lounge with fire place, and a

bar/dining room where meals are taken and hot drinks are available all day. There is a

central charging facility in the main area as well as USB charging in the rooms. Wi-FI is

availabile in the central area (please note the Wi-Fi is very slow and unreliable). There

is also a small spa where they offer a complimentary massage.

Bwindi National Park - Introduction

Bwindi covers an area of around 32000 hectares and is located in the south-west of

the country, part of the eastern ridge of the Albertine Rift Valley. The rainforest,

known as one of the most ecologically diverse in Africa, is spread over a series of

steep ridges and valleys which vary in altitude from around 1160m to over 2600m. In

the south-east sector of the park lies the Mubwindi Swamp, after which it was named.

It is home to the endangered mountain gorilla, as well as a further 11 species of

primates. Incidentally, it harbours more species of mammal than any other park in

Uganda, although most of them are rarely seen.

The birdlife, as with the rest of Uganda, is superb with over 350 species recorded,

including the 23 species endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and a further number

found nowhere else in the country including special such as the African green

broadbill and white-tailed blue flycatcher. The butterfly count is equally spectacular.

For those keen on gorilla trekking, a visit to Bwindi is essential - there are currently

seventeen habituated groups which can be visited in various areas of the park.

However, please bear in mind that the high rainfall and terrain make trekking very

difficult and you need to be well prepared.

To trek for gorillas, a good level of fitness is required as the terrain over which

tracking takes place is extremely difficult. Treks can last anything from an hour to well

over five, traversing steep-sided mountains and ravines, often clambering over nothing

but suspended vegetation. You will require the use of your hands, so do not carry

anything that does not have a long strap. The inclement weather doesn't help either.

Temperatures can range from being fairly warm and humid to being very cold, and

rain can fall at any time. Children under 15 years of age are not allowed to trek.

Using the proper clothing will help a great deal. Long trousers, good walking boots

with good ankle support and a tread which does not suck in mud (your local guides

will probably wear Wellington boots!), a long-sleeve shirt and a sun hat (preferably a

floppy hat, but not white) are essential. Tough, preferably leather, gardening gloves

will protect your hands from nettles and provide extra grip on the wet vegetation. A

lightweight sweater can also be useful. If you want to carry a small pack, make sure it

fits you well and is not cumbersome. Carry extra water (lunch is usually carried by a

tracker/porter) and some lightweight wet weather gear. If you wear glasses, carry a

de-mister/anti fog and make sure they cannot fall off. It is worthwhile taking a camera,

a pair of binoculars and a couple of plastic bags to keep them dry if it rains.

N.B. You will not be allowed to track if you are suffering from any illness including a

cold or flu which can be transmitted to the apes. You will be ask to declare this

before you start off. We would ask your co-operation in not endangering the lives of

the already endangered great apes - if you are sick, do not track. Unfortunately, the

downside is that permits may not be refundable.

Saturday 14 March

One Night

Twin Day Room

Boma Guest House, Entebbe

A leisurely morning to relax at the lodge, explore the village, or take optional walks

into the National Park (payment for which will be due locally).

Later, you will be transferred back to Kihihi where you connect with the scheduled

early afternoon AeroLink flight back to Entebbe. On arrival, you will be met by

Primate Safaris and transferred through to the Boma Guest House where you have

the use of day rooms to shower and change.

The Boma Guest House is a small, family run guesthouse located in the suburbs of

Entebbe just a few minutes drive from the airport. Created from a colonial

homestead, recently restored to comfortable standards, the property consists of just

15 bedrooms (all contained within single storey blocks or semi-detached cottages as

well as two bedrooms within the main house), each decorated in an African theme,

and having its own private bathroom. The main house includes the reception lounge

and dining room (veranda). There is a secluded swimming pool with restaurant and

the gardens throughout the property attract a wide variety of birdlife.

KLM - Entebbe to Amsterdam

One Night

Economy Class

After an early dinner (your account), Primate will transfer you back to Entebbe

International Airport where you connect with the scheduled KLM flight to

Amsterdam. Depart Entebbe, overnight in flight.

Sunday 15 March

Economy Class

KLM - Amsterdam to London Heathrow

Early morning arrival into Amsterdam. Proceed immediately to the departure gate for

your onward connecting flight to London Heathrow (or other UK airport). Arrive

into Terminal 4 in the mid-morning.

Land Price in total US$ 10,140.00

COSTING DETAILS:

Land Price Per person US$ 10,140.00

plus Gorilla permits from US$1200.00 per person

International flights from £750.00 per person using KLM

Included

ground transfers and safari transport as specified

twin/double accommodation on board basis mentioned

game-viewing drives and park/conservation fees for Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the NCA

entrance fees for Olduvai Gorge

internal air transfer flights in Uganda

ground transport as required in Uganda

photographic services of Bob Brind-Surch

Not Included

international flights on KLM - from £850.00 per person including airport taxes

visa fees for Tanzania (US$50.00 per person) and Uganda (US$50.00 per person obtainable online)

travel insurance

personal items and gratuities

optional tours and excursions

drinks and laundry

gorilla permits which are payable on booking - US$1200.00 per person

Deposit required to confirm arrangements: US$ 2,000.00 per person or £ 1,500.00, plus the US$ 1,200.00

for gorilla permits which must be purchases upon booking

All our holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under the CAA ATOL scheme or through our

membership of ABTOT. Remember, if you decide to book direct with companies in Africa, or through a non-bonded

company here in the UK, your money is at risk. Please do not hesitate to ask us for further information.

We are the oldest specialist Africa-only tour operator in the UK, having been in business since 1983. Over that time, our reputation for providing top quality safari holidays is unsurpassed, and we continue to strive to offer four key elements for all our customers:

The best advice possible. Really good advice is the cornerstone requirement for any ‘specialist’ safari holiday, and will turn your experience of Africa from a ‘good’ holiday to an ‘exceptional’ holiday. We only specialise in Africa (and the Indian Ocean Islands) and our team of safari specialists are continually travelling to check up on places, visit new destinations and learn about the practicalities of travelling around the African continent.

A friendly, personal and caring service. Planning and booking a specialist safari holiday should be a fun and energising experience. We have always been a small company offering a very personal service. All of our customers are extremely important to us and treated as such, and we meet many of them in person, either when planning their holidays (where practical), at travel shows or at social functions we arrange. We are passionate about Africa and genuinely care about the success of every holiday we arrange.

A totally professional service at all times. We endeavour to provide prompt responses to all enquiries and questions, clear and correct information at all times, flexibility throughout and attention to detail with your preferences and requirements. When you travel with us, you always have our full support and back up, as our management team are on hand 24/7 in case of any difficulties or emergencies.

Good value for money. All our customers require good value for money and fair pricing every time they travel. On a more subtle note, our specialist knowledge is crucial in ensuring you really make the most of your holiday budget.

In addition, we provide 100% financial guarantees through our ATOL licence (No. 3783) and our membership of ABTOT (No. 5246).

Joe Corder, Sales Consultant Joe grew up in Stamford, Lincolnshire and first experienced Africa at the age of four when visiting family and friends in Kenya. More trips cemented his passion for Africa and he has since travelled to 12 different countries across southern and eastern Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Before embarking on his Geography degree at university in Newcastle, he travelled independently through eight African countries – from Cape Town to Nairobi. He has bungee jumped off Victoria Falls bridge and tracked wild dogs in Kwa-Zulu Natal and is passionate about all things African.

Away from work he plays cricket and golf, loves skiing and follows Newcastle United.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Tanzania is a diverse and beautiful country blessed with a host of wonderful natural attractions, from the famous

Serengeti plains to idyllic Spice-island of Zanzibar.

The north of the country is dominated by vast open plains and weathered volcanic mountains, including Kilimanjaro,

Africa’s highest. Scenic splendours such as the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti appeal to a wide range of

travellers and never fail to impress, with prolific game-viewing all year round. In particular, the Serengeti plays host to

the famous zebra and wildebeest migration, one of the World’s great wildlife attractions.

Whilst many of the iconic ‘northern’ regions tend to be busy (with both tourists and locals), it is still possible to get

‘off the beaten track’ and enjoy an exclusive experience. You just need to know where to go!

The Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park found in the southern part of the country are more in character

with the wildlife areas found across southern Africa - vast wilderness areas intersected by mighty rivers. In particular,

there are far fewer large safari lodges and access is mostly achieved through a network of light aircraft air transfers.

The Selous also offers lovely boat cruises on the Rufiji River system which cannot be repeated anywhere else in East

Africa.

The west of the country is home to three very remote and amazing parks, Katavi, Gombe Stream and Mahale. The

latter two, found on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, are well-known for seeing chimpanzees in the wild.

In addition, Zanzibar, the mainland coast, Mafia Island or one of the private island retreats all offer ideal opportunities

to relax after a safari or enjoy as a stand-alone beach experience.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Uganda is a country with wonderful natural scenery and very friendly people, and as most safaris tour through the

country by road, you are really able to take in the atmosphere and beauty of this land.

As a safari destination, Uganda is known primarily for its birdlife and primates. As a birding destination, the country

lies between the great equatorial forests of the west, and the savannah plains of the east, and this varied habitat results

in well over 1000 species being recorded including the rare shoebill and many Albertine Rift endemics.

However, for many the highlight of embarking on a safari to Uganda is usually in seeing the incredible mountain gorillas

which are found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and in Mgahinga National Park on the northern slopes of the

Virunga Volcanoes (bordering Rwanda). In addition, a further 19 species of primates are recorded including

chimpanzee which are found in numerous areas such as the Kibale and Budongo forests and the Kyambura Gorge in

Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ngamba Island off Entebbe offers the chance to see rescued chimps close up.

Big game viewing is very good in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo and Lake Mburo national parks, whilst the

Ruwenzori ‘Mountains of the Moon’, and Mount Elgon provide some spectacular mountain trekking.

Bob Brind-Surch

Natures Photos 12 Stanion Road Brigstock Nr Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 3HW Telephone: +44 (0) 1536 373977 Emergency: +44 (0) 7983 427202 Email: [email protected]

www.naturesphotos.co.uk

In association with

Safari Consultants Ltd Africa House 2 Cornard Mills Cornard Tye Great Cornard CO10 0GW Telephone: + 44 (0)1787 888 590 Emergency: + 44 (0)7831 556 164 Email: [email protected]

www.safariconsultantuk.com