Itinerary

Day 1 Kampala

Kampala is the capital of Uganda. With a population of 1,208,544, it is also the nation's largest city. The city grew as the capital of the Buganda kingdom, from which several buildings survive, including the Kasubi Tombs (built in 1881), the Buganda Parliament, the Buganda Court of Justice and the Naggalabi Buddo Coronation Site.

Welcome to Uganda! You will be met at the airport by an english speaking guide and transferred from Entebbe international airport to your Kampala hotel.

The elegant Serena Hotels continuously outdoes itself, and its location in Kampala, Uganda, is no exception. With rich green foliage framing the hotel’s façade, each of the 152 rooms look out on the 17 acres of garden or allow yourself to grow mesmerized by the 7m waterfall on the pool terrace. The hotel’s rooms each have an individual personality, working with cultural artifacts, native wood carving, and contemporary Ugandan design at its foundation. Dining is a fluttery, fairytale-like medley of bursting flavors and delights, from freshly squeezed exotic juices to Italian cuisine and of course, very impressive world cuisine. Make sure to stop by the Maisha Health Club and try out the skin treatments. Revered across Kampala, it is relied on by all who trust in the Serena Hotels name.

Overnight at Kampala Serena.

Day 2 Lake Mburo National Park

Lying in the one part of Uganda covered in extensive acacia woodland, Mburo has markedly different fauna to other reserves. Lake Mburo is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well as zebra, topi, impala, and several acacia-associated birds. The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek.

Transfer Kapala to the Lake Mburo National Park driving south westwards stopping at the Mpigi Drum Makers where you will watch the ceremonial drums being crafted using methods passed down through generations. Another stop at the equator to take photographs. Passing through papyrus swamps and tracts of tropical rainforests and the rolling plains of Ankole, continue on to Lake Mburo National Park.

Head out on your private game drive through Lake Mburo National Park. The park has different routes or "tracks" for game drives that allow you to explore the grasslands, water habitat, and hills of this park. Explore the Zebra track for views of: Burchell’s zebra (Equus burchelli) and other species like bushbucks, oribi and reedbucks. Then continue to Ruroko track: a drive through a wetland basin and thick acacia shrub and woodland, with olive trees and euphorbia species. Kopjes (rock outcrops) found along the Ruroko track, are home to elusive klipspringers to which the rock is the best habitat.

Your park fees are included for this day.

Mihingo Lodge is a quiet and luxurious retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. The Lodge has ten rooms which are built on wooden platforms and stilts, covered by a thatched roof. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms, including hot and cold running water, showers, and flush toilets. Each luxury tented room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge’s property, enabling guests to enjoy the tranquil environment in complete seclusion. Placed in varied settings, some rooms are situated in a forest setting, some with a lake view, and some on rock outcrops.

Overnight at Mihingo.

Day 3 Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley. This ancient rainforest, one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age, is home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer. Hikes through the park will also explore Bwindi's broader biodiversity, a result of its immense antiquity and an altitude span from 1,160 to 2,607m. The national park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda, with 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics present.

After an early morning game drive we depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park derives its name from its thick vegetation with an immense variety of evergreen trees, festooned with lianas, epiphytes, which reach great heights in their search for sunlight plus half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

The Gorilla Forest Camp is a luxury tented camp centered in the deep and steamy rainforest of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is host to around half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population. The 8 double tents offered by the camp are ideal quarters for those looking to track gorillas. The camp offers all the facilities of home, plus more. Décor is intricate weavings and hand carvings, with a personality for each room. Tents have romantic en-suites looking out on the forest, with bathtubs raised on little feet. Dining can be taken outside or indoors under candle light, with fires built on some evenings. Service and cuisine is top notch, with many giving in to indulgence. Others take part in nature walks and birding, and of course, gorilla tracking.

Overnight at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp .

Day 4 Bwindi

Wake up very early and depart with picnic lunch to track the rare Mountain Gorillas (hiking boots required). The tracking may take between 5 and 8 hours. The Park Guides with you interpret the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight at the lodge. Only persons age 15 and over are allowed to track the gorillas.

Overnight at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp .

Day 5 Kampala

Transfer to between Bwindi and Entebbe International Airport driving through the scenic views and gift shops such as at Kinoni and Mpambire with lunch break en route. This drive is approximately 10hrs.

Departure from Entebbe International airport.

Overnight at Depart.

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