Trails of Uganda

Day 1- Best Western Garden Hotel, Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met by your hotel transfer company. Enjoy a well-deserved drink and dinner in the comfort of the hotel bar and restaurant area.

Days 2 to 4- Crater Safari Lodge , Kibale National Park

Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Entebbe after your early breakfast. Wind your way through Entebbe and Kampala before leaving the city behind.

Meander your way past hilly tea plantations, muddy roads fringed by banana trees, coffee plantations and carpets of lush greenery smothering vast tropical landscapes. Dotted across the region you’ll stumble across small villages, reed huts and friendly locals. Expect awe inspiring views of misty horizons hovering over pristine crater lakes as you head up into the hills. Your driver will stop en route so that you can take in the views. Feel free to ask him questions about the area. Uganda certainly lives up to its reputation as being the “Pearl of Africa” and this drive introduces you to the remote, untouched beauty of this country. After an eye-opening journey into paradise you will arrive at Crater Safari Lodge. Settle in, enjoy lunch and take in the atmosphere before heading out on your afternoon activity. Afternoon Activity: Top of the World Hike The surrounding area is home to 9 crater lakes and abundant tea and coffee plantations. The famous Kibale National Forest is home to gangs of chimpanzee, and the neighbouring Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is home to abundant birdlife and primates. The “Top of the World” viewpoint hike offers breathtaking views of the 9 crater lakes as well as Uganda’s landscape.

Spend 2 nights on a fully inclusive basis at Crater Safari Lodge, situated in a prime location on a hill overlooking thesecond largest crater lake in Uganda. The views from the lodge are breathtaking, and the rooms enjoy views of the crater lake below. Close to the lodge is the famous Kibale National Park, home of the chimp trekking safari. The national park protects the lush and dense evergreen rain forest, which is the natural habitat of chimpanzee. The main area houses the restaurant, intimate bar area and lounge. The boma area is the ideal place to relax around a roaring and crackling fire; and share stories about the day’s activities. The sparkling swimming pool adorning the manicured lawns is the perfect place to soak up the African sun and enjoy panoramic views of the sublime crater lake.

Your highlight at Crater Safari Lodge is tracking Chimpanzee in the Kibale National Park. Walks leave Kanyanchu Visitor Centre at 08.00, 11.00 and 14.00 and last between 2-5 hours. You will head into the rain forest with your local guide in search of the chimpanzees and your time with them is limited to one hour. The habitat is ideal for gangs of chimpanzee, which are located by listening carefully for vocalisations and the loud swaying of trees. The chimps are very vocal and notoriously cheeky. Watch as they launch between branches and fly through the air. During your walk you will be encouraged to tread carefully - although an easy walk, the terrain is dense. Your guide will teach you about the complexities of chimp behaviour and their highly developed mental capacity.

Days 4 to 6- Ishasha Wilderness Camp , Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast you will depart for the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited national park. The driving time is estimated to be roughly 3 hours. The park is home to a wealth of wildlife, which can be spotted en route to your lodge. The terrain of volcanic craters, grassy plains and tropical forest makes for a varied landscape and unique biome. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for predators and big game while you’re meandering through safari paradise. En route to Ishasha Wilderness Camp you enjoy a cruise on the Kazinga channel which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Spot bloats of hippo, herds of elephant, and other wildlife adorning the banks of the channel. The highlight of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park is the opportunity to spot the rare black-maned tree-climbing lions in the Rukungiri District, the area around Ishasha.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a luxury tented camp on the Ntungwe River in the unspoilt Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Resident black and white Colobus and Vervet monkeys entertain guests, while elephants are a common sight in and around camp. Each tent has private decks overlooking the river and en suite eco-friendly bathrooms.

Days 6 to 8- Gorilla Safari Lodge , Bwindi National Park

Meander your way past hilly tea plantations, muddy roads fringed by banana trees, coffee plantations and carpets of lush greenery smothering vast tropical landscapes. Dotted across the region you’ll stumble across small villages, reed huts and friendly locals. Expect awe-inspiring views of misty horizons hovering over pristine crater lakes as you head up into the hills. Your driver will stop en route so that you can take in the views. After an eye-opening journey into paradise, you will find yourself at the jungle-style entrance of Gorilla Safari Lodge – a warm and welcoming haven on the fringe of the jungle forest. The journey is approx. 7 hours.

Gorilla Safari Lodge sits comfortably at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a primeval forest and lush jungle region in south west Uganda. This national park is home to wild gorillas, forest elephants and 23 species of bird endemic to the area. Located an 8 minute walk from the briefing point for trekking makes the lodge a sought after accommodation option for gorilla trekking safaris.

Gorilla Safari Lodge is a charming lodge on the edge of the forest. Each chalet has a private deck and sitting area inside, along with a fireplace and large ensuite bathrooms. The main area has a great bar and lounge with lovely forest vistas.

On day 7 you will do Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest! You can choose the degree of difficulty when it comes to trekking. You will need to pre-arrange your trekking time. At the briefing point you will be assigned to a Gorilla family. Your personal ranger will lead your group for the trek. You have the option of employing a porter to carry your gear (advisable). Porters have walked in excess of 3 hours to the briefing point in the hopes of being selected to accompany you on your trek. By supporting them, you are also supporting the local communities. A packed lunch is provided by your lodge and you will stop in the forest to enjoy your lunch.

Day 8- Return to Entebbe

A very early start with a packed breakfast you will take a 2 - 3 hour adventurous road transfer from Gorilla Safari Lodge to Kisoro Airport. You will fly in a small plane over scenic Uganda, and take in the aerial views of Lake Victoria and the spectacular hilly landscapes below. This is one of Africa’s most scenic flights. The duration of the flight is approx. 1hr 15mins and takes place in a Cessna Grand Caravan. You will arrive in Entebbe before midday, in time to connect with your international flight.

Pricing

From US$ 5100 in low season  to US$ 5500 in high season per person sharing, based on 2 guests.