Itinerary

Day 1

Departing from Entebbe Airport you will be welcomed by your expert guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your journey. On the route west you pass the historic town of Fort Portalbefore continuing to Ndali Lodge. The lodge has amazing 360º views of the ancient volcanic landscape, the Bunyaruguru Crater Lake and the Rwenzori Mountains beyond. After your long journey enjoy the swimming pool, walk around the lodge garden and grounds or simply relax on the terrace.

O/N: Ndali Lodge (L,D)
    Day 2

    Spend the morning tracking the exuberant chimp families in the Kibale forest. Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor, is a thrilling experience. Though they can be difficult to spot, you will be in no doubt of their presence as the forest is alive with their noisy calls. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The reserve is abundant with butterflies, plants, animals and, in particular, birds. Spectacular birds like Great Blue Turaco and rare Papyrus Gonolek will be of great interest to birders. The swamp is also home to more elusive animals such as Red Colobus monkeys and Sitatunga antelope. There is also the opportunity to visit local community projects that have been financed by tourism. In the evening enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with its stunning views.

    O/N: Ndali Lodge (B,L,D)
    Day 3

    Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. On route, take a short walk in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and take in the views of this magnificent mountain range. Alternatively drive straight to the park and take a game drive. What you see depends on the season, but the Kasenyi plains are excellent for sighting lion and large herds of Uganda kob. The Mweya peninsula offers excellent game drives with magnificent views across the water to the Rwenzori Mountains. Mweya is one of the best places to look for leopard, which live in the dense, scrubby thickets. Time permitting visit the Kyambura Womens Coffee Cooperative and its coffee processing station or the wetland reserve to spot birds.  Both projects were set up and are supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Project.

     

    O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B,L,D).
    Day 4

    The Kyambura 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. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing can be unpredictable but the walk itself is enchanting. In the afternoon take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes Edward and George. Kazinga is home to one of the greatest concentration of hippo in Africa and herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals come to drink at the waters edge. The channel is a magnet for waterbirds, with great flocks of pelicans and others birds on the shore, and a great spot to see African fish eagle.

    O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B,L,D)
    Day 5

    Your safari now continues to the primeval Bwindi forest. Travelling via Ishasha - subject to road conditions - you can observe the unusual behaviour exhibited by the tree-climbing lions. The long journey through the rapidly changing landscape takes you to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, which looks across to the towering trees of the forest. Depending on when you arrive, there maybe time to explore the lodge grounds with its clear mountain stream or visit the local village.
    O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D)
    Day 6

    After enjoying an early breakfast, you set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. Tracking in the Bwindi forest requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively there are other activities and excursions on offer in and around the national park:

    Take a guided walk in the rainforest, home to several endemic bird species, clouds of butterflies and rare plant life. This walk offers excellent photographic opportunities and the knowledgeable guide will provide a great insight into this globally important habitat.

    Walk through the local village, and learn about community projects, such as the Amagara project that assists local farmers and their communities, and Bwindi Community Hospital which started as a health clinic under a tree and now provides vital medical and educational services to over 60,000 people. Both projects are supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.

    Discover the traditions of the Batwa Pygmies, and learn about the native tribal inhabitants of the forest. The indigenous people of Bwindi forest, though no longer resident in the forest, still practice many of their traditional hunter-gatherer skills.

    O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D)
    Day 7

    With an early start, set off back to Kampala and enjoy the views of rolling hills and farmland. Stop for lunch en route before arriving back in Kampala in the late afternoon. Return to your hotel or transfer to the airport in time for your return flight .(B,L)

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