Duration:
7
Days
Group size:
Single supplement:
Destinations:
Departs From:
Ends In:
Travel Styles:
Booking validity:
–
Best Months to Visit
january, february, march, october, november, december
Upon arrival to Entebbe International Airport, you will be met airside, assisted through immigration formalities, baggage collection, and through customs to the exit. Here you will be met by a representative and transferred to Karibu Guesthouse where you will stay for one night.
Location:
LocationEntebbe
Accommodation:
Accommodation Karibu Entebbe
Type:
Accommodation Type Boutique Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for the scheduled charter flight to Kasese. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Kyambura Gorge Lodge for two 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.
This afternoon take an afternoon 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.
Location:
Accommodation:
Accommodation Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Drinks Basis:
Drinks Basis All Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
This morning enjoy a Kyambura Gorge Trek.
Kyambura Gorge is situated on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park, spanning a distance of about 10 miles, and at its deepest, it is 330ft deep. The Kyambura River is responsible for creating the magnificent steep Kyambura Gorge. The gorge emerges from savannah grassland and has a riverine virgin forest that transits to papyrus swamps as it stretches towards the Kazinga Channel.
If you are lucky, you will see the chimps in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor. They are rare to see, but you may at least be treated to their noisy calls, which is nothing short of exhilarating. There is more wildlife to keep an eye out for including the Red-tailed monkey, Black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, baboons and hippo. The birdlife is prolific, such as falcons, blue-headed bee-eater, and black and white kingfisher, to name a few. The hike is impressive, and you will experience the tranquility of a true tropical forest and soothing river beneath. The walk usually lasts about 2–3 hours, descending the steep gorge, navigating through muddy hippo tracks, and crossing the log bridges over the river, and ascending to the rim at the end, so requires some agility and fitness.
After lunch at the lodge, we 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 Drinks (excl Premium Brands)
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
After breakfast you will be transferred to Kasese Airstrip for the scheduled charter flight to Kisoro Airstrip. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Chameleon Hill Lodge where you will stay for three nights.
This exclusive, colorful and vibrant lodge enjoys spectacular views across Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a magnificent backdrop. Each chalet flaunts its own identity and color scheme along with high quality, hand made furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style.
Location:
LocationLake Mutanda
Accommodation:
Accommodation Chameleon Hill Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Gorilla Tracking*
Tracking endangered mountain gorillas remains one of the undisputed highlights of any visit to Africa. Meeting these gentle giants deep in the African rainforests can only be described as an emotionally overwhelming and awe-inspiring experience. Gorilla tracking in Uganda is possible in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Chameleon Hill is your perfect gorilla tracking base, located exactly between those two.
Bird Watching
The Lake Mutanda region is one of the best locations for birdwatching trips in Uganda considering that the lake attracts a big variety of birds to its shores and islands. Some of the species you can encounter include African spoonbill, Pelicans, Sacred ibis, Hadada ibis, Kites, Hawks, Pin-tailed Whydah, Malachite Kingfisher, Weaver birds, Great Cormorant, Grey-crowned and Crested cranes, Pied Kingfisher and sunbirds among so many others. You can either venture on a guided walking safari, meander self-guided along the forest paths at Chameleon Bay or book a canoe with a specialist bird guide to explore the waterways similar to the Okavango Delta and lake shores.
Golden Monkey Tracking*
Named after its golden appearance with black limbs and an impressive crown, the Golden Monkey is indeed an interesting and unique species. These primates are endemic to the Virunga region and the World Conservation Union has declared them as highly endangered. Venture along the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes through the dense bamboo forest and keep your eyes high up in the trees to experience these absolutely beautiful and inquisitive creatures in their natural habitat.
Power Boat*
Our happy-red pontoon boat can transport up to 20 people and is the ideal transportation to explore the islands of Lake Mutanda, some with historic back ground, others with almost forgotten communities. A visit to Skeleton Island, the name says it all…., will be unforgettable. The boat has a roof to protect you from either sun or rain, and comfortable seating for you to enjoy snacks and drinks. The crew consists of a captain and a deck hand / guide.
Traditional Canoe*
This is a unique boating and sightseeing experience. Enjoy an exciting tour by creating a personal and memorable excursion. You will be paddled by a local community or staff member along lakeshores with amazing bird watching. Listen to sounds of nature while you float seated in a local dug out canoe. This is the only way to enter narrow, remote waterways in the wetland areas.
Inflatable Kayak*
Our high-quality inflatable kayaks, imported from Germany, guarantee a fun filled time. You have the opportunity to explore the lake (unguided) and observe the surrounding scenery from a different perspective. If you enjoy birdwatching, this is the way to go! You can paddle along lakeshores with forests, marsh land and swamps. The ideal habitat for a variety of birds, including the crested crane, the Ugandan national bird. With some luck you might even have an encounter with our beautiful, resident Chameleon Bay otters.
Carve a Gorilla (+- 3 Hours)*
Expand your creativity by joining a talented carver who will guide you through the process of carving a gorilla. Experience the master at work as you create your very own piece to take home. A truly special souvenir! PLEASE NOTE: We only use Eucalyptus wood which is an alien
species in Uganda!
Farming & Traditional Lunch (Full Day)*
This very unique culinary experience commences with a short stroll through the village and a brief lesson in the local native Rukiga language, before arriving at a local homestead. This hands-on, very personal experience allows you deep insight on how local farms are run and provide a livelihood for so many. After a farm tour you will harvest your own potatoes and pumpkin flowers or other seasonal fruits, herbs and vegetables. Now you will join your host in the kitchen as you help prepare a traditional dish. Enjoy the meal together with the rest of the family as you learn more about their rich cultural heritage, listen to some storytelling and some local music instruments – a truly authentic African experience to remember. PLEASE NOTE: This activity requires a 30 minute drive to and from Rubuguri.
Weave a Traditional Basket (+- 3 Hours)*
Why not try your hand at a traditional craft such as weaving? Let a local weaver introduce you to the skill of basket weaving as he/she demonstrates the technique and materials used for you to create your own small basket to take home.
Kapata Trail (Easy 3-hour hike)*
Experience the rich natural and cultural history of this beautiful piece of paradise while you discover hidden ancient caves, a secluded waterfall and an abundance of birdlife. Your skilled guide will share interesting facts about the historic & natural landmarks, ensuring a true and tangible encounter of this natural treasure. PLEASE NOTE: This activity requires a 30 minute drive to and from Rubuguri.
Discover the Lake (Easy 3 hour walk and canoe)*
This guided walk will treat you to the most breathtaking views and scenery the Mutanda region has to offer. Enjoy a wholesome picknick lunch along with the incredible vistas of the island dotted lake before exploring its safe, cool waters by canoe.
Batwa Trail (Full Day)*
Enjoy a day in the company of traditional Batwa people as they narrate the rich heritage of their culture and how they came to be the original people of the forest over many, many years.
Volcano Climbing (Full Day)*
Chameleon Hill is the perfect departure point for “Volcano Climbing”. A scenic drive takes you to the Uganda Wildlife Authority office from where the adventure starts. Three of the eight main Virunga Volcanoes are located in Uganda: Muhabura, Sabinyo and Gahinga. There are several trails with different lengths and levels of difficulty; we will help you identify the most appropriate climb according to your needs and level of fitness.
Mountain Biking (Around Lake Mutanda)*
Starting from Chameleon Hill, this ride gives you the opportunity to go around Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa, which is only possible using a bike. The breathtaking, full-day trail leads through villages, local farmsteads and Matooke (banana) fields. It gives you a chance to interact with the villagers whilst soaking in Uganda’s natural beauty – all on a bike, a feast for the senses! We supply top of the range helmets for your safety. No helmet, no ride! Many more options available.
*Additional charge
Location:
LocationLake Mutanda
Accommodation:
Accommodation Chameleon Hill Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Entebbe to connect with your onward flight.
Location:
LocationLake Mutanda
Accommodation:
Accommodation Chameleon Hill Lodge
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
From:
1,000.00
Price Includes:
Price Excludes:
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