Discover, Plan & Go!

DAY 1

Entebbe Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel

Today arrive at the newly refurbished Entebbe International Airport and drive to Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel for your overnight accommodations.

The Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel is a newly-refurbished spacious and elegant four-star hotel in Entebbe resting in well manicured palm studded tropical gardens. Situated 4 km from the Entebbe airport and 34 km from Kampala city, this classic, old colonial-style hotel has panoramic views over Lake Victoria and enjoys an ideal location on the shores of Lake Victoria, next to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. The hotel offers rooms around a ventral garden or facing the lake. Overnight at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel

DAY 2

Entebbe Ndali Lodge

After breakfast, set off west towards Kibale Forest. Arrive at Ndali Lodge, a family run inn on a working tea plantation. The plantation is set in an area which is surrounded by scenic volcanic crater lakes.

Ndali Lodge is set stunningly amidst the Bunyaruguru craters lake region of Western Uganda, 24 km south of Fort Portal, lying at the center of 1,000 acres of privately owned fertile farmland still cultivated in a traditional style. It is perched on the rim of an extinct volcano which, since its demise, has filled with water to become the breathtaking Lake Nyinambuga – 250 acres in size and 300 meters deep. The cottages at the lodge provide luxurious accommodation and offer a panoramic view of the spectacular ‘Mountains of the Moon’. Overnight at Ndali Lodge (B,L,D)

DAY 3

Entebbe Ndali Lodge

With lush tropical rainforest and a fascinating diversity of animals, Kibale National Park (KNP) is one of the most beautiful and stunning forests in Uganda. Kibale forest is certainly worth protecting as it is home to the largest number (in Uganda) of our closest living relative, the endangered chimpanzee, as well as the threatened red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white colobus, blue monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos. The park also hosts over 325 species of birds including the yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinkerbird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, African pitta, crowned eagle and the black bee-eater. There are a number of impressive mammals including forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, duikers and bats. A keen observer may see some of the reptiles and amphibians as well as a colorful variety of butterflies. Furthermore, over 250 tree species have been recorded.

The most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park are the chimpanzees with over 1,450 individuals protected within the park. At Kanyanchu, a community of chimpanzees has been habituated since 1991, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment (with more than 90% chance of viewing). Overnight at Ndali Lodge (B,L,D)

DAY 4

Kibale Forest National Park / Queen Elizabeth National Park Mweya Safari Lodge

After breakfast enjoy another morning walk in the forest and return to camp for lunch. Set out in a southerly direction for the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set in the western branch of the Great Rift Valley, the park is incredibly diverse in the type of terrain it encompasses. Prehistoric volcanic explosion craters now serve as huge amphitheaters sheltering herds of elephant and buffalo. Some of these craters have formed salt lakes in which flamingos, from as far away as Kenya, are scattered like pink dust. Wide-open plains support fair numbers of game, both prey and predator. The two large lakes – Edward and George – together with the connecting Kazinga Channel are home to large numbers of hippo, and numerous crocodiles.

This evening, arrive at Mweya Safari Lodge, located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Edward and provides excellent views of the Kazinga Channel. Enjoy an evening game drive.

Mweya Safari Lodge is located on a peninsula within the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Breathtaking views enhance every room, where guests may see an abundance of game and some of the best bird watching in East Africa. Mweya Safari Lodge is the perfect place to enhance your journey of discovery.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) together with Kyambura and Kigezi Wildlife Reserves form one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. The melting glacier waters of the Rwenzori Mountains create a vast wetland system comprising of two main lakes, George and Edward, as well as the connecting Kazinga Channel. Thousands of hippos populate these lake shorelines. Open savannah dotted with Acacia and Euphorbia trees provide habitat for elephants, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs and big herds of buffaloes. Ten primate species including chimpanzees are present. Among the many animals frequently seen are giant forest hog, waterbucks, topi, hyenas and crocodiles. The park boasts of more bird species than any other park in Africa.

Traditional Salt Works: Visit one of the oldest industries in Uganda at the enclave of Lake Katwe town. Since the 14th Century, salt has been mined by traditional methods that are still in use today. Salt production peaks during the dry season. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

DAY 5

Queen Elizabeth National Park Mweya Safari Lodge

This morning’s game drive has an early start - enjoy coffee and tea out on the rolling plains of the park. Return to the lodge for breakfast and prepare for a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. This water system hosts the highest concentration of hippo in the world and the excursion brings guests within a safe distance of them. Also see crocodile, buffalo, and other game that drink from the channel and experience the profusion of bird life that is supported here. Return in the late afternoon and transfer to the camp. As dusk falls, prepare for dinner and a good night’s rest.

Over 200 km of well-maintained tracks give visitors access to the park’s game. Some of the tracks pass through large mating grounds of great herds of Uganda kob. Hungry lions can often be seen searching for prey. The legendary giant forest hog is visible roaming the bush. When it is hot, large herds of elephant make their way down to the water. Buffalo and bushbucks can be found on the Channel track and adjacent circuits. The warthog is a hallmark sight on the Mweya Peninsula. The outstanding scenery along the Crater track brings visitors to volcanic craters at the foothills of the misty Mountains of the Moon (Mt. Rwenzori). The drive is a breathtaking experience. The friendly staff will assist in planning for a game drive.

A boat trip along the hippo crowded banks of Kazinga Channel gives visitors a unique unequalled wildlife experience. Sit eye to eye with yawning hippos while you are surrounded by vast numbers of migrant and resident water birds. Many buffaloes rest in the water while the big herds of elephant enjoy themselves drinking and playing along the Channel banks. Crocodiles have become a common sight and occasionally leopards may be seen. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

DAY 6

Queen Elizabeth National Park Mweya Safari Lodge

This morning’s adventure also necessitates a very early breakfast. Drive to the top of the Chambura Gorge, a deep natural ravine in the surrounding plains. Descend to the floor of the gorge to the riverine forest - very different from the savannah grasslands that surround it. Drive back to the lodge for lunch, followed by a late afternoon game drive. On the game drive, waterbuck, elephant, giant forest hog, bushbuck, buffalo, or even lion and leopard might be seen.

Kyambura Wildlife Reserve: This is found in the eastern part of the Protected Area and supports similar mammals to the rest of the park. It has three saline crater lakes, which attract large numbers of flamingos – not found anywhere else in Uganda.

The steep Kyambura Gorge, formed by the turbulent waters of the roaring Kyambura River, provides a lush riverine forest, home to chimpanzees, black and white colobus and red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons and other primates as well as plenty of forest birds. A guided nature walk takes visitors into the gorge and offers a great chance to track habituated chimps in their natural habitat. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

DAY 7

Queen Elizabeth National Park / Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Forest Camp

This morning it is another early start for a bush walk through the Maramagambo Forest. This is one of the largest forests in Uganda, and forms a habitat for a number of primates and forest dwellers. Due to its location, Maramagambo also has a great diversity of butterflies and birds. The walk culminates in a visit to volcanic caves that are home to thousands of bats, and often, several reptile species.

Many surprises await you in the extensive Maramagambo rainforest. A variety of short, medium and long guided nature walks are offered. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the Bats Cave floor using the bats as a source of food. The cave is near the picturesque Blue Lake and Hunters Cave. Other trails lead into the heart of the forest surrounding tranquil crater lakes, home to wild chimps, other primates and many forest birds.

Travel further south to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is a leisurely drive, taking most of the day. Climb out of the Rift Valley and then travel through the Kigezi Highlands of southwestern Uganda. The scenery is increasingly breathtaking as you travel through the undulating hills. In the distance, the mist-swathed mountains of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will be visible. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.

On arrival, you are welcomed to the luxurious Gorilla Forest Camp with hot towels and a welcome drink. Retire to the enormous tents for a hot shower and meet later around the campfire to recount the day’s activities. After dinner, retire for the night, lulled to sleep by the sounds of one of Africa’s most incredible natural environments.

Gorilla Forest Camp is a permanent luxury tented camp nestled in the mist-swathed rainforest of a mountainside in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Designed to blend seamlessly into the forest-clad mountains that protect this fragile eco-system, its accommodation is in double tents raised on wooden platforms, each with en-suite facilities, hot and cold running water and unusually – a bathtub looking out into the forest. Each tent has a spacious wooden veranda where guests can relax, enjoy a private meal and absorb the exotic mystery of the surrounding rainforest that provided the animation of Disney’s The Jungle Book.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in south western Uganda, on the edge of the Western Rift Valley (Albertine rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. It is 331 sq km in size and on an altitude range of 1,160 metres (Ishasha gorge) to 2,607 metres (Rwamanyonyi Peak). The annual average temperature range is 7°C - 20°C with the coldest period being June and July. Of the local people neighboring the park, the majority are Bakiga and Bafumbira, constituting the densest settlements in Uganda (350 people/sq km). A few Batwa are also found.

Species Diversity: Bwindi is home to 326 gorillas, almost one half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. There are also 346 species of birds and over 200 species of butterflies. This afromontane forest has a dense under storey of fern, vines and shrubs. About 324 tree species have been recorded here, 10 of which occur nowhere else in Uganda.

Bird Watching: Bwindi is the bird watchers haven! It holds 346 species of birds and contains 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa and seven IUCN red data listed species. An experienced bird watcher can identify up to 100 species in a day! Visit Ruhija and Buhoma for this dream to come true. Indicate your interest to the Park Management so that appropriate early morning departures can be arranged. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp (B,L,D)

DAYS 8 & 9

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Forest Camp

These two days’ activities may be amongst the most exciting and challenging of our entire expedition. The Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi are part of a worldwide population of just 600 individuals. The gorillas to be tracked belong to either one of two habituated family groups. For up to five years each, these groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to a point where they can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. A few privileged visitors are allowed to interact with them in the wild.

The gorillas are by no means tame; they are completely wild animals. Experienced guides lead the tracking; many of these guides have been instrumental in the habituation process. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts.

Dependent on their location, the time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously from as little as half an hour to as much as nine hours. Once the gorillas are located, small groups are allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas. This is one of the world’s truly memorable experiences – a look into one of these magnificent creatures’ eyes brings home the bond that exists between gorillas and man. Slowly make your way back to camp to recount the day’s adventures. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp (B,L,D)

DAY 10

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park / Lake Mburo Lake Mburo Tented Camp

Travel eastwards to Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch in Mbarara, drive to the park and check into camp. Enjoy an evening game drive to view the parks’ plains game species and birds, followed by a return to the camp to freshen up for dinner.

Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP) is a very special place; every part of it is alive with variety, interest and color. LMNP contains an extensive area of wetland. The park harbors several species of mammals including zebras, impalas, elands, topi and buffaloes. The bird population includes the rare Shoebill stork. Its sculptured landscape with rolling grassy hills and idyllic lakeshores has a varied mosaic of habitats: forest galleries, rich acacia tree valleys, seasonal and permanent swamps which all support a wealth of wildlife. The park is only 370sq km and the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks. Its mosaic habitat: dry hillside, rocky outcrops, bushes, thickets, open and wooded savannahs, forests, lakes and swamps are home to a surprising diversity of plants and animals.

Location: Lake Mburo National Park is situated in Mbarara district. It is about 3.5 hours drive from Kampala. The park is accessed from the Masaka-Mbarara road; turn left to Nshara gate (13kms past Lyantonde) or alternatively turn left at Sanga trading centre (27kms past Lyantonde) which brings you through Sanga gate. Both junctions have clearly marked signposts. It is about 13 km from Sanga trading centre to Sanga gate and 8 km from the main road to Nshara gate. It is about 20 minutes drive from either gate to Rwonyo Park Headquarters.

Mantana Tented Camp combines seclusion and exclusivity in enchanting surroundings, offering extraordinary contrasts of comfort and wilderness. The camp is a luxurious retreat with an emphasis on personal service, airy tents and a well stocked bar where guests can unwind after the day’s activities. It is situated on a small hill overlooking Lake Mburo and one of the game corridors leading to the lake. Overnight at Lake Mburo Tented Camp (B,L,D)

DAY 11

Lake Mburo / Entebbe Windsor Lake Victoria, day room

After an early morning game drive, return to Entebbe, where you have a day room at your disposal to prepare for the evening flight out. Arrive in time for lunch, with the afternoon at leisure.