3 Days: Bats & Caves of Uganda

Africa Awaits

“Whispers from the Underground”

Main Sites Covered:

Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves (Fort Portal)
Maramagambo Forest Bat Cave (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Optional: Garama Cave (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
Focus: Caves, bat colonies, geology, local legends, cultural stories

Day 1: Fort Portal & Amabere Caves Exploration

Depart Kampala early morning for Fort Portal (approx. 5 hours)
Check-in and lunch at a lodge overlooking crater lakes
Afternoon guided visit to Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves:
Stalactites & stalagmites formations
Mythical stories of the Bachwezi kingdom
Hidden waterfall behind the caves
Short hike to crater lakes and viewpoints of the Rwenzori Mountains
Overnight: Crater Safari Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge / Rwenzori View Guesthouse
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Bat Spotting in Maramagambo Forest

Early breakfast and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (2 hrs drive)
Guided nature walk in Maramagambo Forest
Visit the Bat Cave, home to thousands of fruit and insect bats
Observe Python Rock, where pythons feed on bats — a rare natural spectacle
Spot birds, monkeys, butterflies, and rare forest species

Optional: Visit Katwe Salt Lake or take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Overnight: Lodge near Queen Elizabeth NP (e.g., Bush Lodge / Engiri Game Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cultural Visit & Return

Morning cultural visit to the Bakonzo or Batooro communities
Optional: Explore the Kichwamba escarpment caves (less visited but scenic)
Begin return journey to Kampala / Entebbe
Stop at Equator line for photos and craft shopping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Package Inclusions:

  • All transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
  • 2 nights’ accommodation (mid-range or upgradeable)
  • All meals as listed
  • Entry fees to caves and national parks
  • Guided cave walks and forest experiences
  • Bottled drinking water during drives

Excludes:

  • International or domestic flights
  • Alcoholic drinks and tips
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
  • Travel insurance

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Add Garama Cave & Batwa cultural visit (Mgahinga) – 1 or 2 extra days
  • Combine with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest (near Fort Portal)
  • Include Queen Elizabeth NP game drive or Kazinga boat cruise
  • Photography or academic research customization

What to bring:

  • Good hiking shoes
  • Headlamp or flashlight (for caves)
  • Lightweight clothing + jacket (forests can be cool)
  • Insect repellent
  • Binoculars and camera (no flash for bats)