Safari Overview
Our 10-day trip showcases the highlights of Uganda, where the savanna meets the rainforest. Get ready to see a variety of savanna animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and leopards. You’ll also have the chance to encounter up to 13 primate species, such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons.
This journey includes visits to several prominent cities and national parks in Uganda, including Fort Portal, Jinja, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park, and the Source of the Nile.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arriving at Entebbe Airport, a staff representative will assist you with check-in and transfer to your domestic flight to Kisoro, which departs at 7 AM. After arriving in Kisoro, you will be welcomed by your expert guide, who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your journey.
The lodge is located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes and near the entrance to the national park. Enjoy your pre-dinner cocktails on the terrace with stunning views of the Volcanoes or warm yourself inside by the cosy fire.
After an early breakfast, you set off on a thrilling gorilla trek, traversing steep, forested hills. The moment you spot these majestic creatures, hidden within the dense foliage, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. For an unforgettable hour, you observe their gentle interactions before returning to the lodge for a well-earned late lunch.
Gorilla trekking demands stamina and patience, especially in muddy terrain, but the reward is beyond words.
Later, visit the Gahinga Batwa Village to immerse yourself in the culture of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. Explore their new village and community centre, and embark on the Batwa Heritage Tour for a glimpse into their ancestral life as forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers.
Spend a tranquil morning tracking the rare golden monkeys through lush bamboo forests. Playful and photogenic, these energetic creatures leap through high branches or forage for bamboo shoots below.
In the afternoon, if time allows, explore the Batwa Vocational Centre or hike the scenic Gisozi caldera. Alternatively, unwind in the lodge’s terraced gardens, savouring afternoon drinks and canapés amidst breathtaking surroundings.
After an early breakfast, transfer from Gahinga Lodge to Kisoro airstrip for your flight to Kihihi, followed by a scenic drive to Bwindi Lodge. Spend the day unwinding—stroll through the gardens along the stream, indulge in a signature Rungu massage at the Bwindi Humula Forest Spa, and discover the art of local tea processing with a fascinating demonstration.
As evening falls, sip pre-dinner cocktails on the veranda, overlooking the enchanting Bwindi Forest, where the calls of over 150 bird species create a mesmerising natural symphony.
After an early breakfast, set off on an unforgettable gorilla trek through the steep, densely forested hills of Bwindi. The moment you encounter these magnificent creatures, camouflaged within the lush vegetation, is truly awe-inspiring. Some gorilla families are more elusive, making the trek challenging, especially in wet and muddy conditions.
On your way back, stop at the award-winning Bwindi Bar to celebrate with the signature Gorillini cocktail. More than just a great drink, the bar provides hospitality training for disadvantaged youth from nearby communities, making your visit a toast to both adventure and opportunity.
Your safari continues to Kyambura Gorge Lodge, traveling via Ishasha, where you can witness the rare and fascinating behavior of tree-climbing lions. The journey through Queen Elizabeth National Park unveils a stunningly diverse landscape before arriving at the lodge.
In the afternoon, visit the Kyambura Gorge wildlife buffer zone to plant a tree seedling, then discover the artistry of hand-processed coffee with the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative. Stroll back through the Kyambura wetland reclamation project, soaking in the beauty of this conservation effort.
As the day winds down, savor pre-dinner drinks on the veranda, gazing over the vast savannah with the majestic Rwenzori Mountains stretching across the horizon.
Enjoy an early breakfast and set out for a morning game drive for the best wildlife viewings in the park. Depending on the season, the wildlife seen varies. The Kasenyi plains are excellent for sighting lions and large herds of Uganda kob. The Mweya peninsula is one of the best places to look for leopards, which live in the dense, scrubby thickets.
After lunch, you will walk from the lodge directly down into Kyambura Gorge to search for the ‘Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura’. The gorge is an extraordinary natural environment and forms a stark contrast to the surrounding grasslands. Here you can track one of our closest animal relatives: the chimpanzee. This group of isolated chimps are quite mobile and viewing can be unpredictable, but the walk itself is exciting and enchanting.
Begin your day with a bush breakfast overlooking the savannah, then set off on a second chimpanzee trek through the breathtaking Kyambura Gorge.
In the afternoon, glide along the Kazinga Channel, a haven for wildlife where hippos abound and elephants, buffalo, and countless waterbirds gather along the shore. Watch flocks of pelicans and spot the majestic African fish eagle soaring above.
After your cruise, harvest honey with the Kyambura bee-keeping cooperative, enjoy a spirited performance by the Omumushaka Dance Group, and take a serene gorge walk, where birds, monkeys, and other wildlife complete your Kyambura experience.
After breakfast at the lodge, transfer to the Kasese airstrip. Leave with the morning or afternoon return flight to Entebbe and connect in time for your international flight.
Inclusion/Exclusion
Inclusions
- Accommodation and meals as indicated in itinerary
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit ($1500)
- 1 Chimpanzee trekking permit ($90)
- Park entrance fees
- All excursions and activities as indicated in the itinerary under the supervision of a professional English-speaking safari guide.
- Ground transport and transfers in a 4x4 Custom Safari Landcruiser
- AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
- Government taxes
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
- International flights
- Visa fees and processing
- Extra activities and meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Extra luggage on domestic flights
- Service tips, gratuities, souvenirs, and snacks
- Accommodation after the end of the trip
