PEOPLE • COMMUNITIES • WILDLIFE
UGANDA
ENTEBBE ZOO & WILDLIFE TRAIL
12 DAYS
UGANDA
Make a Difference
US$2700
Excl International Airfare & Entry Visa
In 1952 the Ugandan Wildlife Education Centre, popularly known as Entebbe Zoo, was opened as rescue and rehabilitation centre for Ugandan wildlife. Spend time working alongside the people and the animals that make this zoo so unique. What better way to gain an in depth understanding of Ugandan wildlife and Conservation programs from the very people who work on the frontline. Follow this extraordinary time at the zoo with a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Mountain Gorillas. Visit Lake Mburo National Park and the only zebra in Uganda. There is an optional journey to Murchinson Falls National Park and the magnificent white Nile , including chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. This will not only be the trip of a lifetime but will support the work of Entebbe Zoo and the International Congress of Zookeepers. The Conservation Levy from this experience will assist the work of ICZ and assist Entebbe Zoo in the construction of a new home for Charles the baby elephant.
The Story of Charles, the baby elephant.
In 2011 Charles (named after his rescuer) was found abandoned in Queen Elizabeth National Park. He was rescued and brought to Entebbe Zoo to be cared for. Now at 4 years of age and weighing over 1500 kg, Entebbe Zoo is in desperate need of funds to develop a new home for Charles. Any additional donations through RAW Africa’s Volunteer program will be put towards constructing a suitable enclosure for this rapidly growing baby elephant.
Focus on enrichment
Meals while at the zoo
The staff at Entebbe Zoo are always open to new ways to help them care for their animals. Please come with ideas that may help the enrichment of the species held in the zoo, from research or from your own experience.
During your zoo work experience lunch is provided and you will take lunch with the keepers. Breakfast may be purchased at the Zoo restaurant or you may purchase food items at the supermarket. Dinner is available at the many restaurants around Entebbe. Meals provided are indicated each day.
Key B- Breakfast L- Lunch D- Dinner Day 1: Arrive Entebbe D On arrival, you will be greeted at Entebbe International Airport by a RAW Africa Ecotours staff member and taken to your accommodation. You will have time to relax before your 8.00pm get together to discuss your time at Entebbe Zoo.
TRIP DATES
16th - 26th April 2016
TRIP DETAILS Inclusions
Gorilla Trekking Permit All transfers, transport, activities, accommodation and meals as per itinerary. All tips/gratuities except for RAW Africa staff.
Accommodation
4 nights guest house, 5 nights Zoo Bandas, 2 nights Lodge
Meals All itinerary meals included. Group Size Maximum 10.
Day 2: Entebbe Zoo
Day 3: Entebbe Zoo - Volunteer
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This morning we will briefly visit Entebbe’s services such as ATM’s, supermarket and cafes. The Ugandan Wildlife Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo) is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Victoria. Spend the rest of today on a guided tour through the zoo, meeting the keepers and the animals they care for. Learn about the important work of the zoo and your role over the next few days.
Spend the next few days volunteering with the keepers of Entebbe Zoo. Learn more about caring for some of Uganda’s locally threatened species such as the shoebill stork, chimpanzees and white rhino.
Day 4: Entebbe Zoo - Volunteer
Day 5: Entebbe Zoo - Volunteer
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The zoo is located on beautiful Lake Victoria in central Entebbe. The Zoo is also linked to a nature walk and surrounded by bushland. This area will be a great source of natural enrichment items for many of the zoos species.
Entebbe Zoo also acts as a rescue and rehabilitation centre for many of Uganda’s wildlife such as chimpanzees, and particularly bird species. As such the zoo works closely with organisations such as the Jane Goodall Institute and the Ugandan Wildlife Authority.
Day 6: Entebbe Zoo - Volunteer L
You will be staying on site at the Zoo in Banda (cottage) style accommodation. Wake to the roar of the lions or call of the chimpanzees. Staying at the zoo not only makes for a great experience but all proceeds from the accommodation go towards supporting the zoos many operations and rehabilitation programs.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest BLD
Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home to Uganda’s largest population of Mountain Gorillas, Stay on the edge of this magnificent park in the community operated guest house. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest will surely be a highlight of your Ugandan journey. Bwindi Forest is not only famous for its gorillas but also for its spectacular bird life and other forest monkeys.
Day 8: Gorilla’s of Bwindi Forest
Day 10: Lake Mburo NP
Today will surely be a day that stays in your memory forever. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spend an unforgettable moment frozen in time with some of the last Mountain Gorillas on earth.
Spend today game driving around beautiful Lake Mburo National Park. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see the stunning plains zebra.
Day 9: Lake Mburo NP
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The gorilla trek was a huge achievement and we hope you enjoyed this life enriching experience. Travel to Lake Mburo National Park.
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Day 11: Return to Entebbe Continue your journey to Entebbe and Lake Victoria, stopping at the equator as you drive south. This will be our last evening together unless you choose to travel onto Murchinson Falls National Park on RAW Africa’s Nile Adventure.
4
DAYS
NILE ADVENTURE EXTENSION
US $790 Per Person
Date: 27th to 30th April 2016
TRIP DETAILS Inclusions
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit All transfers, transport, activities, accommodation and meals as per itinerary. All tips/gratuities except for RAW Africa staff.
Accommodation 2 nights guest house ; 1 night eco lodge
Meals All itinerary meals included. Group Size Maximum 10.
Day 12: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary BLD
For those flying home, Raw Africa will provide transfer to Entebbe International Airport. For the remaining group we head north towards Murchinson Falls National Park and the spectacular River Nile. On the way spend time at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Take a leisurely stroll though the surrounding forest with these incredible animals that are under increasing threat from poaching. Learn about the conservation program with Entebbe Zoo and meet the rangers who commit their lives to ensuring that the rhino does not disappear from Uganda’s wilderness.
Day 13: Murchinson Falls National Park BLD
Murchinson Falls National Park is renown for its spectacular wildlife viewing and stunning falls where the river Victoria Nile plunges through a 7 metre gap to the river below. Enjoy a game drive through the rolling plains of the park where elephant, giraffe, lion and buffalo spend their days. In the afternoon take a relaxing boat ride to the foot of the falls. Keep an eye out for hippo, crocodiles and a dazzling array of bird life.
Day 14: Chimpanzee trek BLD
This will be one of the highlights of your Nile Adventure journey chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest. The Forest is also home to many other species of monkeys and a large diversity of bird life. Empowering local communities who live close to the Budongo Forest is paramount to ensuring the protection of the chimpanzee within the forest. Visit the Boomu Women’s Group to experience Ugandan culture and support the local community.
Day 15 Fly Home or onto other adventures. BL
Return south to Entebbe. RAW Africa will ensure that you are transported to the airport or onto another central Entebbe location. Please ensure that any ongoing flights depart after 6.00pm.
RAW Africa would like to thank you for supporting communities and wildlife in Uganda
RAW Africa Ecotours specialises in financially sustainable community and conservation based ecotourism. For all tour bookings and enquiries please contact RAW Africa Ecotours, Australia
team@rawafricaecotours.com.au
General information and conditions. This itinerary is a guide only, as circumstances beyond the control of the operators will sometimes necessitate changes or modifications to the scheduled program. All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel with at least 6 months validity from the date of return. It is the responsibility of the trailer to ensure that they have all valid entry visas, including multi-entry, as required. These are available at some border crossings, please contact RAW Africa Ecotours for ore information. Tours do not include return flights from point of origin; internal international/domestic flights; travel insurance; alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snacks and food outside the itinerary; additional activities beyond the scheduled itinerary; laundry; transport between locations other than those stated on the itinerary. Prices are a guide only, RAW Africa Ecotours reserves the right to adjust these at any time without notice. Unless otherwise stated, prices are inclusive of taxes and charges that apply as at 20th April 2014, but they do not include any fees for optional items which are payable directly to 3rd parties. Prices are in Australian dollars and may incur additional costs and international transfer fees if payment is made outside Australia. Please read RAW Africa Ecotours’ Bookings, Terms and Conditions carefully as they incorporate the basis upon which bookings are accepted by RAW Africa Ecotours. ABN 21 158 486 992 Copy write: B.Squires. Photos: B.Squires; K. Husher; J. Hart.