DAY 1: LAKE VICTORIA SERENA RESORT, ENTEBBE
Entebbe
Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.
Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International airport, you will be met by AMA Safaris – Uganda representative and you will be transferred to Lake Victoria Serena Resort for a check-in.
Overnight: Lake Victoria Serena Resort
Styled to replicate the lines of a classically rustic Roman villa, which might just as easily stand amid the sunflowers of the Tuscan Hills, as on the shores of Africa’s largest lake, the Lake Victoria Serena Resort is the latest addition to the Serena East Africa Portfolio.
Rising above white-terraced rose gardens, which descend through water cascades and fountains almost to the shores of Lake Victoria, this tranquil resort hotel near Entebbe has been positioned so as to offer both a contrast and an extension to the 5-star profile of the flagship Kampala Serena Hotel, This ensures that the Serena portfolio embraces all aspects of Uganda’s social and corporate life.
A gracious terracotta and cream palace, the central citadel is encircled by broad café and cocktail terraces, where cushioned sofas invite relaxation. Above the marble reception, where a Roman fountain plays, white-arched galleries rise to a clear glass atrium, through which shafts of light illuminate the fountain courtyard below.
Beyond the mosaic frescoes of the main restaurant, a clock tower rises above the pool-deck where colonnades of white arches offer the perfect frame for the hazy blue of the lake and the encircling green of the Lweza Hills. Widely spaced among the rose gardens, clusters of pastel-painted villas offer a choice of rooms and suites, all with panoramic lake views.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
DAY 2: WILD FRONTIERS BAKERS LODGE, MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Murchison Falls National Park
Stretching from the shores of Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park. The Nile River flows through the middle of the park creating the impressive Murchison Falls which is the park’s major attraction. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah and a diversity of abundant wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy prime game-viewing along the Buligi Circuit. The forests are home to numerous primates, including Chimpanzees, and near the river, buffalo, elephants and Rothschild-Giraffes can be seen. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: lions, antelope, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles.
Day Itinerary
You will be picked by your driver guide and transfer to the Entebbe Aiport for your regular flight to the Pakuba Airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park. Met on arrival and transferred to the lodge. Check in at Bakers lodge for lunch and in the afternoon, enjoy game drives.
Overnight: Wild Frontiers Bakers Lodge
Named after the 1800s English explorer Samuel Baker, Baker’s Lodge is located on the southern bank of the mighty Nile River that transects Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP). This intimate and upmarket safari lodge set on the water’s edge overlooks a clearing with beautifully trimmed grass, large shady trees and wetland areas that are abundant in bird life.
Each of the eight private cottages, raised on wooden decks, have excellent views upstream and downstream of the river. These spacious cottages are fitted with solar lighting and water heating, mosquito nets, bespoke wooden furniture and locally crafted accessories.
The en-suite bathrooms are open plan, with some units having a bath with a view. The lodge has a central lounge, bar and dining area, with a raised wooden deck allowing 180 degree views of the river. Wild Frontiers also operate a number of boats on the river, where guest can fish for Nile Perch, take tours on the top of the falls and enjoy delta river cruises.
Basis
Full Board: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 3: WILD FRONTIERS BAKERS LODGE, MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Day Itinerary
0700hrs Breakfast will be served at the lodge. 0730hrs enjoy morning game drives in the park. 1300hrs lunch will be serves at the lodge. 1400hrs enjoy a boat trip on River Nile followed by a game drive.
Murchison Falls National Park
Stretching from the shores of Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest National Park. The Nile River flows through the middle of the park creating the impressive Murchison Falls which is the park’s major attraction. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah and a diversity of abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy prime game-viewing along the Buligi Circuit. The forests are home to numerous primates, including Chimpanzees, and near the river, buffalo, elephants and Rothschild-Giraffes can be seen. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: lions, antelope, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles.
Basis
Full Board: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 4: KYANINGA LODGE, KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Kibale Forest National Park
Located in southern Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is said to be home to the highest density of primates in Africa.
Although the highlight of the park is the habituated chimpanzees, the treetops are alive with all manner of monkey including: red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus and black and white colobus monkeys are all spotted here.
When you’re not searching for monkeys there are over 300 bird species and an incredible 250 species of butterfly to keep you busy. Visitors can look forward to chimpanzee tracking, birding tours and guided nature walks.
Day Itinerary
Have a leisurely breakfast at the lodge and at 1300hrs you will be transferred to Pakuba airstrip for your schedule flight to Kasese airstrip for a transfer to Kyaninga lodge. In the afternoon enjoy a nature walk.
Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the Rwenzori Mountains beyond, Kyaninga Lodge is the spectacular result of one man’s vision and six years of unwavering commitment to creating an experience of Africa’s beauty unlike anything else.
You can experience the beauty and romance of this unexplored region, while staying in the height of luxury and elegance. Nine exclusive cottages made from hand carved logs, superb dining, and a wealth of adventures waits.
Basis
Full Board: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 5: ELEPHANT PLAINS LODGE, QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located in south – western Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the county’s most popular parks. Volcanic craters, grassy plains, tropical forest and giant lakes connected by a channel inhabited by abundant hippos, are what you will see at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park has almost 100 types of mammal and 606 different bird species, including the peculiar shoebill.
The Kasinga Channel alone is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos, and other wildlife includes buffalo, the rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, Uganda kob, Defassa waterbuck and elephant.
Don’t miss the Kyambura Gorge, which is home to habituated chimpanzees.
Day Itinerary
Breakfast will be served at the lodge, after briefing embark on a chimpanzee trekking adventure, on meeting the chimpanzees, you will spend an hour with them before returning to the base where your driver guide will be waiting to transfer you back to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch depart for Queen Elizabeth National park for a check-in at Elephant Plains.
Overnight: Elephant Plains Lodge
Guest accommodation is in 6 spacious double/twin en-suite cottages with large private verandas and huge glass windows to take advantage of the incredible views. An additional 2 family cottages offer accommodation in 2 separate en-suite bedrooms with plenty of space for up to 5 people.
All the cottages have large bath tubs as well as showers and are spaced out along the hill top offering privacy and tranquillity. All the rooms overlook Lake Kikorongo where from your veranda you can see elephants and buffaloes come to drink.
Basis:
Full Board: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 6: ELEPHANT PLAINS LODGE, QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Day Itinerary
0700hrs breakfast is served at the lodge. 0730hrs enjoy game drives in the park. 1300hrs lunch is served at the lodge. 1400hrs take a boat trip on the Kazinga channel.
Activities
Kazinga Channel: The boat trip along the Kazinga Channel provides a memorable game viewing experience where you will see thousands of hippos, birds and other river wildlife and if you are lucky buffalo, elephant and maybe even a lion.
Basis:
Full Board: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 7: CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE, BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Located in south – western Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities. The rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys and steep ridges. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot and a variety of butterflies.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes.
Day Itinerary
0630hrs. Breakfast is served at the lodge. 0800hrs fly by schedule flight to Kisoro airstrip and on arrival your driver guide will be waiting to transfer you to Clouds Mountain Gorilla lodge, have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
It is remote. It is beautiful. It is intimate. And at over 2,000 metres above sea level, it is Uganda’s highest lodge. Guests at Clouds stay in their own cottage. Built of local volcanic stone, every cottage has a large sitting room with fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs, and hand-woven carpets.
The main lodge feels like someplace else – soaring ceilings, massive exposed wooden beams, big picture windows with endless views of treetops, volcanoes and mountains. It feels like a ski chalet in the Alps. Or a stone palace in the Rocky Mountains. But with the gentle and warm welcome, the quiet dedication of the personal butlers and the smiles on the faces of virtually all the staff, this can only be in Uganda.
Basis:
Full Board:Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 8: CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE, BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, you will be picked by your driver guide and transferred to the gorilla trekking point for briefing and allocation of porters who will assist with carrying your lunch box and water.
You will then start the Gorilla trekking adventure , on meeting the gorillas, you are allowed an hour with them before trekking back to the base where your driver guide will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge. After lunch explore the lodge and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Gorilla Trekking
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for Gorilla trekking. Before 0800hrs, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the Gorillas.
(Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Basis:
Full Board:- Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
DAY 9: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, you will be picked by your driver guide and transferred to Kisoro airstrip for your 0925hrs flight back to Entebbe arriving at 1155hrs on time for your check-in for your International departure flight back home country.
Basis
Breakfast
