Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be whisked away to settle into your accommodation, the beautiful No.5 Boutique Hotel.
This afternoon you’ll be transported to Lake Victoria, where you can take in the grandeur of Africa’s largest lake as you glide to the equator. Enjoy onboard nibbles with a glass of wine, beer or gin and tonic as you toast your journey on a memorable sunset cruise.
This evening, retire to your comfortable accommodation and rest up before tomorrow’s adventures.
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be transferred through lush countryside to Kibale National Park for a two-night, all-inclusive stay at Kyaninga Lodge. An intimate property with unparalleled vistas, Kyaninga Lodge is set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains beyond, known locally as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’. The treehouse-inspired lodge is home to just nine elegant cottages, set on raised platforms, up the hill from the breathtaking crater lake.
Embark on a safari route through Kibale National Park, home of the great apes. Your thrilling game drive will give you the chance to spot the dozen primate species that call this region home, including the cheeky red-tailed monkey, the stone-faced olive baboon and the sagely black-and-white colobus. Monkey business aside, the jungle canopy also hosts prolific bird life – if you’re lucky, you may even spot a meandering herd of elephants.
Early this morning, embark on a thrilling walk through the grassland of Bigodi Swamp. Your guided hike will lead you through the habitat of numerous primate species – keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular great blue turaco bird.
This afternoon, your chimpanzee tracking excursion kicks off. With the highest concentration of primates in Africa and approximately 1,500 chimpanzees in Kibale National Park alone, Uganda is the ideal place to spot this fascinating creature in the wild. In Uganda, there are approximately 4,950 chimps left in the wild. Follow your ranger as you search for the habituated communities and listen as they share local knowledge and explain how to help preserve the chimpanzees’ habitat and population.
On your return from this encounter with our closest living relatives, study the diverse flora and fauna of the forest with expert guidance. This evening, retreat to your relaxing lodge for a dip in the glistening pool or simply kick back and take in the sweeping views.
Wake refreshed and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – among the country’s oldest and largest. Located at the base of the imposing Rwenzori Mountains, alongside Lakes Edward and George, the park consists of savannah plains that provide an abundance of game viewing. Tick elephants off your list, spot leopards lazing in the sun, pass graceful gazelles and glimpse proud lions and herbivorous hippos.
As the sun vanishes below the horizon, it’s time to board your open safari vehicle for a thrilling night game drive. The nocturnal life of the savannah awaits, and your experienced ranger will share their breadth of knowledge about each species and its behaviour. Keep a lookout for creatures great and small, from pouncing leopards to camouflaged chameleons.
After your adventurous evening, wake early to the contrast of a sunrise game drive. See Queen Elizabeth National Park in a different light as you head off in search of peaceful elephants, prowling lions, elegant Uganda kobs and wallowing warthogs.
Retreat to your comfortable accommodation for a well-earned, delicious lunch before joining your guide on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel.
This popular waterhole is awash with wildlife looking for a refreshing drink or a cooling bath. Spot curious buffalo, the striking horns of waterbuck, watchful crocodiles and a plethora of feathered fauna. Kazinga Channel hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world, and there’s abundant opportunity to watch the ever-humbling elephant at the water’s edge.
This morning, say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through the Ugandan plains towards the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Enjoy the scenic drive to Mahogany Springs Lodge, where your accommodation puts you in the heart of the lush forest for the ultimate in privacy and serenity. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch and relax in comfort as you gather your energy for tomorrow.
Today’s the big day. Rise early and take your safety briefing before heading into the enchanting wilderness of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the rare mountain gorilla.
One of the only forests in which mountain gorillas and chimpanzees cohabitate, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the crown jewel of Uganda’s parks. Follow your experienced guide along forested slopes, through thick vines and dense bamboo – from which the forest earns its ‘Impenetrable’ title – on the trail of these gentle giants. En route, your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity, from nests to dung and chewed bamboo shoots. Keep alert for abundant forest fauna, with over 200 kinds of butterflies and 350 types of birds.
Once you’ve located the gorillas, you’ll have up to one hour to observe these incredible primates. Witness these habituated communities living peacefully amongst the trees, marvelling at the privilege of coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla. A truly humbling experience, inexplicably connecting humanity to our history and the natural world around us, this day is sure to stay with you for a lifetime.
Later, return to your forest lodge to bask in the memory of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bid farewell to Mahogany Springs Lodge after one last hearty breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your included flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Upon arrival, head to No.5 Boutique Hotel, where you can relax and freshen up in a day room as you reminisce over your safari highlights. Later, transfer back to the airport, where your African adventure concludes.