Duration:
16
Days
Group size:
Single supplement:
Destinations:
Departs From:
Ends In:
Travel Styles:
Booking validity:
–
Best Months to Visit
Upon arrival to Entebbe International Airport, after completing immigration formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the exit. Here you will be met by an Alluring Africa representative and transferred to Hotel No. 5 where you will stay for one night.
Location:
LocationEntebbe
Accommodation:
Accommodation No.5 Boutique Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Depart with your private driver/guide to Murchison Falls National Park where you will stay at Nile Safari Lodge for three nights.
Experience the wonders of Uganda in style, witnessing exciting wildlife spectacles and stunning landscapes from our luxury lodge perched on the southern bank of the River Nile. In the remote beautiful, savanna the Lodge is a luxurious escape and the ultimate private safari experience.
Location:
LocationMurchison Falls National Park
Accommodation:
Accommodation Nile Safari Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Safari Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Enjoy two days of activities at Nile Safari Lodge.
Game Drives: Undoubtedly the highlight of any safari is the game drive. From the comfort of a 4×4 safari vehicle, you can experience the thrill of viewing wildlife in its natural environment. You are certain to spot and catch some great photos of the legendary big five.
Bird Watching: Home to over 1,100 species of birds, Uganda is a bird watchers’ paradise. This includes Crested Crane, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, African Fish Eagle, and the very shy majestic Shoebill Stork. The location of the Nile lodge makes it an ideal place for ornithologists and keen bird watchers.
Nile River Cruise: An excellent alternative to the game drive is an exciting boat ride along the green and lush curves of the mystical Nile with a perfect view of the Murchison Falls.
Location:
LocationMurchison Falls National Park
Accommodation:
Accommodation Nile Safari Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Safari Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
After breakfast depart with your private driver/guide as you head south. The journey may be long — about six to seven hours — but it’s beautiful as you drive through the green hills of the Ugandan countryside, down the escarpment of the Albertine Rift to Kibale Forest. The journey is broken up for a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. Fort Portal sits near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and is your springboard into the Kibale Forest.
This afternoon, arrive to Ndali Lodge where you will stay for two nights.
Location:
LocationNdali Kasenda Crater Lakes
Accommodation:
Accommodation Ndali Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy a full day at Ndali Lodge.
This morning we get the opportunity to explore Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest is home to 13 primate species and a guided forest trek can be taken in search of one of the most popular primate species in the world – the chimpanzee. There are 9 diurnal primates, these include, vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked manabey, red colobus, black and white colobus, olive baboon and the most famous of all, the chimpanzee. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the odds are good with the chance of encountering them standing at higher then 90%. This morning you will go on a forest walk in search of primates. Whilst trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, you will be surrounded by bird song and can expect to see at least 5 or 6 other types of primate, most probably the grey-cheeked managebey and the red-tailed monkey and of course the chimpanzee. The walking is fairly easy due to the well-maintained trails and reasonably flat terrain.
At Tinka’s, you will be immersed in authentic traditions as you are enjoying fresh, organic food underneath a thatched roof, with warm company and background melodies of song birds. During your meal you will learn more about food traditions, ways a preparation and local stories.
You have the opportunity to purchase a 2nd chimp trek, or participate in any of the activities offered by the lodge. Or simply relax by the pool, enjoy the sauna and massages (additional cost), do yoga on the yoga pagoda, or simply recharge and watch the abundant flora and fauna, a good selection of which can be seen from the verandas of both the lodge and the cottages. Take a walk around the 1000 acre farm and the Ndali Vanilla processing plant, or to the nearby Muhoma Falls. Walks will take you around crater rims, past alcohol brewing in oil drums, through banana plantations, vanilla plantations, coffee terraces, plots of cassava, groundnuts, sorghum and millet. Below the lodge, on the lake itself, is a sturdy jetty, set in the most tranquil and secluded spot and frequented by 5 different species of Kingfisher. From here guests can swim in the lake, soak up the sun or simply get away from it all. We have an inflatable two-man kayak that can be used for spotting birds and other wildlife by the lakeshore.
Location:
LocationNdali Kasenda Crater Lakes
Accommodation:
Accommodation Ndali Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, take a guided walk through the Bigodi wetland, an area with great biodiversity – home to about 200 species of birds including the crested crane and elusive Great Blue Turaco. The dominant plant is Egyption Papyrus but the swamp is a favorite feeding ground for 8 species of primates including baboons, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red colobus monkey, red tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. Other animals found in the wetland include mongooses, wild pigs, antelopes and otters can be seen around the swamp.
Afterwards we depart with our guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive passes through Fort Portal and then south along the eastern length of The Rwenzori Mountains, with the hope of viewing the glaciated peaks. Gently descend into The Great African Rift Valley and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Deep in the heart of the Great Western Rift Valley, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a vast diversity of wildlife and a multitude of truly spectacular landscapes. Here you will stay at Kyambura Gorge Lodge for three nights.
This eclectic contemporary safari lodge has been converted from an old coffee store to create a breathtakingly beautiful space. The lodge is located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park with sweeping views of the rolling savanna, the distant mountains of the moon, and the sunken Kyambura Gorge. The stylish bandas also have a contemporary theme with the accent on local artifacts re-imagined in a new context. Each banda offers a unique view either across the savanna or the gorge. The lodge is the ideal location for tracking the lost chimps in the sunken forest of Kyambura Gorge nearby and seeing the amazing game in one of Africa’s most beautiful and varied parks, centered around the waterway of the Kazinga Channel where animals come to bathe. The park has six hundred amazing bird species, the highest of any African park.
Location:
Accommodation:
Accommodation Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Enjoy two full days at Kyambura Gorge.
Take an early morning game drive through the park. Varied and wildly beautiful, the park is home to no less than nine species of primates, including the endangered chimpanzee, as well as the exotic black and white colobus monkey. The reserve is also famous for leopards and tree-climbing lions. Game drives in this, the second largest national park in Uganda, traverse a mass of streams, rivers and lakes, including the Kyambura River, which eventually flows into the mighty Nile.
After lunch, you will drive down to the Kazinga Channel and take a boat ride along the river. The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel is one of the most popular activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It provides an amazing chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh river breeze whilst observing a large selection of animals. Those species commonly seen along the riverbank are elephants, buffalo, waterbuck and Ugandan Kob. Large breeding pods of hippos are also seen on a daily basis. On occasion visitors will also see giant forest hog, leopard and lion. The waterbirds in the area are plentiful; in particular, water thick knee, yellow‐billed stork, various plovers, white pink‐backed Pelicans and white‐bellied cormorants.
Location:
Accommodation:
Accommodation Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
This morning you have an option to participate in Lion Tracking (additional cost).
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a lion conservation unit and hence lions are a key attraction in the park. The park has over 250 of the large cats in both the northern and southern sector. An activity that is even more exciting than looking for lion from your safari vehicle, is an experiential activity – lion tracking! Queen Elizabeth is the only national park in Uganda that offers lion tracking as an activity, offering participants an opportunity to get closer to the lions in their natural habitat. It involves following lions closely to learn about their behavior, natural habitat and feeding habits. The activity is led by experienced and knowledgeable researchers from the Uganda Carnivore Program, and by taking part, you are contributing to a worthwhile wildlife conservation initiative.
Uganda Carnivore Program – Wildlife Conservation and Research Tours
The Uganda Carnivore program (UCP) is under the research department of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The program began in the 1990’s and was then known as the Uganda Large Predator Project. The Uganda Large Predator Project started out of concern that an epidemic (the canine distemper Virus) that was decimating canines in the Serengeti National Park would spread to predators in Uganda. The fear among conservationists in Uganda was compounded by several lion deaths unknown causes. After some research, it was found that Uganda’s lions where not dying from the distemper virus but from poisoning. A decision was made to continue with the project to monitor and do research on predator in the park. As time went on, the project expanded to include community conservation and other activities. As more partners came in support of the project, the project name changed to what is now known as the Uganda Carnivore Program.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the activities offered by the lodge:
Kyambura Community Coffee Tour
See the transformation of coffee beans into delicious Ugandan coffee – all done by hand, by local community members – and even get to sample the finished product for yourself. At the end of the tour guests are given the opportunity to purchase some of the cooperative’s coffee, which makes a great souvenir and supports the local community.
Rwenzori Sculpture Foundry & Gallery
Set up by Damien Hirst, the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundry & Gallery are a short drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Sculptures by rising Ugandan artists sit alongside works by leading European sculptors, the result of collaborations and artist residencies. All works are inspired by the people, culture, wildlife and landscape of Uganda, and make the perfect memento to mark an unforgettable journey.
Kaymbura Community Café
In June 2014, in partnership with the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative and the local community, the VSPT opened a non-profit training café. The café will provide a practical training institution for local youths, both male and female, who are disadvantaged as a result of the loss of parents, HIV/AIDS, or physical or mental disabilities. The training not only aims to provide practical experience to create more job opportunities in the region, but also to improve access to services, medication and healthcare thereby reducing the risk of transmitting HIV through education and providing training for a sustainable livelihood. The VSPT plans to take ten interns on a quarterly basis for both theoretical and practical training. Volcanoes Safaris guests staying at Kyambura Gorge Lodge can enjoy a coffee tour followed by a hearty homemade brunch with freshly brewed coffee served at the café, or a delicious pizza from the wood-burning oven for tours in the afternoon.
Kyambura Wetland
The VSPT secured 45-acres of wetland south of the Volcanoes Safaris Kyambura Gorge Lodge. The wetland, which previously had been used as an illegal brick works, is now regenerating rapidly back to its natural state. The rejuvenated wetlands now attract over 200 species of birds and the sight is used to train members of the community in birding and guiding. This project has been a key success for the VSPT, particularly regarding its ecosystem conservation efforts given the amount of species that have now repopulated the area: new entries are added to the spotters’ lists almost daily! Over 500 indigenous trees have also been replanted along the banks of the Kyambura River. Due to human encroachment and habitat destruction over the past twenty years, hundreds of trees along the riverbank were cut down leading to soil erosion and water pollution. Community outreach and guide training take place throughout the year with the objective of establishing a pool of qualified local guides who can lead tours of the wetland. A trail system is maintained throughout the wetland and guided walks are available to Volcanoes Safaris clients.
Birding
Both Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the world’s best bird watching, with a vast diversity of bird species. Uganda has over 1,000 bird species with 150 found only in Uganda. Rwanda has over 700 bird species and is home to the second highest number of Albertine endemics in the Albertine region. Each of our lodges offers the chance to see a number of different birds, with the vast majority endemic to the Region.
Kyambura Buffer Walk – Tree Planting
VSPT has worked on purchasing the 3km long buffer along the northern part of the Gorge since 2009. With the purchase completed at the end of 2018, a 3-hour guided walk has been developed and is offered to guests to showcase the buffer created by the project, the scenic views over the Gorge, the Park and Kyambura reserve, and the chance to experience the local homesteads. Approximately 3000 trees have been planted in the buffer area, with the help of the local community and VS guests.
Gorge Walk
This short walk (45 mins) offer guests the opportunity to experience the unique landscape around the Lodge, between the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge and the community.
Location:
Accommodation:
Accommodation Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
After breakfast depart with your driver/guide through the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Ishasha region. Game drive in search of tree climbing lion (75% success rate).
Leave behind the lush savanna grass plains of QENP and drive to Buhoma/Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi forest is a magnificent luxuriant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rife Valley, this ancient rainforest – one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age – is regarded to be one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa. Here you will stay at Bwindi Lodge for three nights.
Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge offers dramatic intense views of the forest canopy across a serene stream. The gorillas frequently come to relax in the verdant bush around the lodge! The eight standard bandas, each having their own view of the forest, have been been totally restyled with warm luxurious interiors and inviting four poster beds and locally-inspired furniture.
Location:
Accommodation:
Accommodation Bwindi Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Enjoy two full days at Bwindi Lodge.
After breakfast take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point.
The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world.
Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film.
After the trek you will be escorted back to the lodge for dinner.
Location:
Accommodation:
Accommodation Bwindi Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
SECOND GORILLA TREK (IF APPLICABLE):
With the thrill of yesterday’s trek still fresh in your mind, head out once more in search of these amazing beasts! The second trek offers you enough time to put down the camera and appreciate the whole environment and setting as it unfolds in front of you without a viewfinder in the way. To begin to fully realize the special shared genetic history of our two species. To study and comprehend the social interactions of the family you are visiting. Take it all in.
Other Activities:
Location:
Accommodation:
Accommodation Bwindi Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast you will be transferred to Kihihi Airstrip for the scheduled charter flight Entebbe to connect with your homebound flight.
Or take an excursion to Jinja to stay at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge for 2-3 nights.
Wildwaters Lodge lies on a unique private island mid-stream within the mighty River Nile, about 25km downstream from Jinja in eastern Uganda. Jinja is one of two birthplaces of the mighty River Nile, where the water spills out of Lake Victoria on its journey to the Mediterranean flowing fast from the get-go. It is estimated no more than 5% of water here will end up in Egypt. There’s a landmark commemorating the source of the world’s most famous river- the perfect place for a sunset beer.
The ten stand-alone elevated timber-floor and super-spacious luxury suites are nestled in the rainforest with amazing river views. Each are linked by raised wooden walkways to the restaurant, bar and library, and feature glass-fronted windows, locally handmade furniture, stylish bathrooms with rain showers, and secluded wooden decks with daybeds and romantic free-standing open-air bathtubs. There are also delicious sunrise breakfasts and candle-lit three-course dinners and a lovely swimming pool cantilevered above the river in the attractive main communal lodge area.
Location:
LocationJinja
Accommodation:
Accommodation Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
Enjoy 2-3 days at Lemala Wildwaters!
Famous as the historic source of the Nile River, Jinja is now the adrenaline capital of East Africa. Activities on the River Nile,, include heart-pounding white-water rafting, bungee jumping and gentler horse riding or fishing. Whitewater rafters can tackle ‘wild or mild’ courses, taking class 5 rapids or more relaxed family-friendly affairs where you sit back and relax as our guides take over entertaining your kids. Kayakers can choose between an exciting full-day white water rapids tour or a gentler cruise where you drift among the tropical islands on a flatwater section of the famous White Nile.
As you enjoy the fresh waters of the Nile, keep an eye out for fellow water babies like otters or monitor lizards. Or the more than 1000 bird species that Uganda is famous for – from turacos and cuckoos to hawks and eagles.
Location:
LocationJinja
Accommodation:
Accommodation Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Local Brands (excl Spirits)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
After breakfast you will be transferred to Entebbe (3 hours) where a day use room is reserved until your evening departure.
Location:
LocationJinja
Accommodation:
Accommodation Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Price Includes:
Price Excludes:
Dear David Do you remember us? We spent our holyday in Namibia in 2007 following your itinerary. This email is to inform you, that advertising of your agency is now shown in the italian travel web magazine Viaggionelmondo.net In this…
We just came back from a safari in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, which was organised by Charlotte at ATI Holidays. We had a truly fantastic time, and would like to thank them for their help in organising it all. The…
The Chimpanzee and Wildlife LodgeThis renowned Kyambura Gorge Lodge, with entirely remodelled public areas and gardens, has been converted from a coffee store to create a breathtakingly beautiful space. The lodge is located on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National…
Karibu is a boutique accommodation set on the leafy hillside of Entebbe only 10 minutes’ drive from Entebbe International Airport. The eight en-suite rooms are individually themed and decorated, complete with high-powered showers, king-sized beds and complimentary, organically-grown Arabica coffee.Karibu's…
Located on the shores of one of East Africa’s most beautiful lakes – Lake Mutanda, visitors will enjoy spectacular views across the lake with its islands and surrounding hills. Chameleon Hill and its breathtaking surrounding scenery offer a variety of…
