There are a raft of possibilities in Uganda but one option is to combine with Rwanda as follows:

Day 1 Fly with Kenya Airways to Kigali via Nairobi
Day 2 Meet on arrival in Kigali. Visit Kisozi memorial site. Lunch. Drive to Virungas and overnight Virunga Lodge.
Day 3 Walk to Karisoke. Overnight Virunga Lodge
Day 4 Gorilla tracking. Overnight Virunga Lodge
Day 5 Gorilla tracking. Overnight Virunga Lodge
Day 6 Drive to QENP. Game drive. Overnight Jacana.
Day 7 Game drives and boat cruise. Overnight Jacana Lodge
Day 8 Chimp tracking at Kyambura Gorge. Game drives. Overnight Jacana Lodge
Day 9 Drive to Entebbe and transfer to airport and fly back to London
Day 10 Arrive London

Cost per person: From £2,850
Includes: international return flights, two gorilla tracking permits, one chimp tracking permit, all acommodation and meals, English speaking guide/driver, all entrance and park fees

An eight day safari, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda (Bwindi) or Rwanda, Lake Mburo National park, plus chimpanzee trekking and game viewing in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as a cruise on the Kazinga Channel - renowned for its hippos and great bird life.

Day 01
Depart London on Kenya Airways

Day 02 (BB)
Arrive Entebbe, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe. Bed and Breakfast. Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel This is an old colonial-style hotel with views over Lake Victoria. It has good facilities including a formal dining area with an outside terrace, 2 bars, breakfast room and pool with it's own bar and restaurant area. The meals include European style food, an Indian and Chinese menu. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing. The rooms are in a quadrant around a ventral garden with some facing the lake and on two levels. All rooms are en suite, have air conditioning or fans, and satellite television. A complementary shuttle service operates to and from the airport for all flights - about 8 minutes drive away. Entebbe is a small town, located on the edge of Lake Victoria. Depending on your time of arrival, you may like to spend some time exploring the town on foot, or you can take a taxi in to Kampala and visit the craft and curio markets there, the Kasubi Tombs and Museum. In Entebbe there is the Wildlife Education Centre, and you can see close up the large slow-moving Shoebill Stork, or you can try your hand at golf on the local 9-hole course.

Day 03 (BLD)
Depart after breakfast to Lake Mburo National Park, approximately 5 hours drive from Entebbe via Kampala. Here you will have the opportunity to go on game drives, or a walk with a local ranger, and explore this pretty park. Lake Mburo Tented camp Situated high up on a hillside off the main route to the park headquarters is this tented camp with views stretching far and wide. Each tent caters for two persons and has it's own bathroom area with hot showers provided, eco friendly toilet systems and a private dressing area. A central area provides dining and bar facilities. Meals are generally of a high standard with several courses for most. Rooms: 9 x en suite double tents.

Day 04(BLD)
Today we travel along from Mburo towards the Kabale region, and then into the mountainous area of the lush Uganda Highlands - the 'Switzerland of Africa' - with great views and vistas of this beautiful green area, from here we continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or to Kisoro and on to Ruhengeri, Parc National des Volcans, for your gorilla tracking base - depending on where pre-purchased permits are held. Overnight in en suite chalet/lodge accommodation, all meals included. It will be a fairly long day in the vehicle, passing some interesting scenery, farmland and lush green hillsides. Lunch en route. Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Nest, or similar (Bwindi or Rwanda) Buhoma is one of the original camps at Bwindi, which has been upgraded over the years. Very conveniently situated opposite the park entrance with views over the forest canopy. Currently they have individual cottages with their own private veranda, a bedroom and bathroom area and some rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Lighting is by solar in all the rooms. Meals are taken in a central dining area where a fireplace provides warmth in the cool evenings. Peter the current manager provides excellent service levels to all clients. Rooms: 6 x en suite double cottages, 2 x twin, 1 x single shared bathroom rooms. Or, in Rwanda - we normally use Mountain Gorilla's Nest This newly opened quality lodge is located close to the Parc National des Volcans. It is nestled under a grove of trees, with all the rooms surrounding a large courtyard. There are comfortable nicely appointed rooms with en-suite chalets with modern bathrooms and hot water. It has a spacious restaurant with large bar and reception area and friendly service. On a clear day the views across to the volcanoes and surrounding hills are spectacular.

Day 05 (BLD)
An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. Returning to the camp for a late lunch, we have an opportunity for forest walks with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight lodge or tented camp. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitude. Please refer to our information sheet. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate is well over 90%.

Day 06 (BLD)
A second opportunity for gorilla tracking, with pre-purchased permits subject to availability. For those not trekking, you will have the opportunity to go on a forest walk with a local guide, or on a community walk at the local village which has been included in your tour cost, or perhaps visit the local orphanage. Overnight at your lodge, all meals included.

Day 07 (BLD)
After breakfast, you will drive in a northerly direction to Queen Elizabeth National park. Passing through farmlands and small towns and villages, you will have the opportunity to see rural Uganda and the vivid green beauty of the country. Depending on the weather and road conditions we may enter QENP from the Ishasha side of the park. You will arrive at QENP, with the Ruwenzori Mountains hovering in the distance, mid afternoon. Two nights will be spent here game viewing, with an opportunity to go on a chimp walk at Chamburu Gorge. Mweya Lodge Located on a peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel on one side and with spectacular views towards the Ruwenzori Mountians on the other, this recently upgraded and renovated lodge now provides some of the best accommodation and service facilities in Uganda. Amenities include a swimming pool, the Tembo bar and an elegant air-conditioned restaurant with a global cuisine. Breakfast is taken on the alfresco terrace adjacent to the Kazinga Channel. Or, Jacana Lodge Set on the edge of a crater lake the lodge blends in perfectly with the wooded surroundings of the Maramagambo forest. Built with sensitive use of rock, wood, rope and other natural materials it combines to form a unique style. Each log cabin is beautifully and uniquely furnished to high standards and all rooms are en suite. A floating dining area on the crater lake provides a tranquil and different option for sundowners and dinner in the evenings. Rooms: 8 x en suite double log cabins Within these two days we will go on a boat cruise on the Kasinga Channel, famous for hippos and bird life, and trek chimps in the Chamburu gorge (subject to permits being available and group size, this is an optional extra). Early morning and late afternoon game viewing / drives will also be conducted in search of Uganda's unique wildlife such as the Giant Forest Hog, Red Forest Buffalo and Ugandan Kob, and lion, elephant and leopard are often seen.

Day 08 (BLD)
Queen Elizabeth National park, as above.

Day 09 (BL)
Morning game drive out of the park, returning to Entebbe in time for the afternoon boat trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria, where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated under the management of a group of dedicated conservationists including the Jane Goodall Institute. Option of overnighting on Ngamba Island and have the opportunity of going on a forest walk with the young chimps the next morning. You would stay in our exclusive tented camp on the island, (only four tents) and spend time with the staff (care-givers) learning about the plight of the chimps. This is an additional charge as shown below. Alternatively : Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or optional add-ons. Should you require an additional night accommodation in Entebbe, or Kampala we will gladly book this for you

Day 10
Arrive in London

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - GORILLA PERMITS
Uganda - Permits to view gorillas in Uganda are in high demand and should be secured as early as possible. There are currently three family groups in Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with 18 people per day being allowed to visit. A further 6 permits per day at the Nkuringo group in south-west Bwindi, and 6 more permits at Mgahinga National Park (on the border of Rwanda, Uganda & DRC).

Generally all Uganda lodge safaris include the following UNLESS noted as extras :

Airport transfers to / from Entebbe airport to Entebbe hotel
Meet & greet service with full briefing
Services of a driver/professional guide
All transportation by boat and 4x4 customised safari vehicle
All accommodation as set out on full itinerary in quality lodges and/or tented camps / camping
Park fees and all game drives
Boat cruises as applicable (normally one on Kazinga Channel, and one on the Nile)
Guided forest walk in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as applicable (6 & 8 day itineraries)
Meals, fully inclusive except the first night which is always bed & breakfast
Excursion to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary by boat, and entrance fees
Passenger and public liability insurance
Guides carry mobile phones for 24-hour communication
24-hour emergency number available to all guests & families

Excludes:
Drinks, tips, visas, items of a personal nature, travel insurance
Chimpanzee tracking permits at Kibale (USD50), Chamburu (USD30) or Budongo Forests (USD20) per morning trek, per person
Chimpanzee forest walk permit on Ngamba Island USD150 per person per walk. Please note that this walk holds stringent vaccination conditions. Ask me about it if you would like to be part of it.
Christmas, New Year and Easter Supplements
Walk to Dian Fossey Grave & Golden Monkeys (USD75 & USD100 respectively) - available in Rwanda only
Any optional extras such as forest walks, canoe and boat trips for example, refer to final itinerary, are generally excluded.

PLEASE NOTE :
GORILLA PERMITS ARE NON REFUNDABLE & NON TRANSFERRABLE. AS SUCH, WE WILL ONLY SECURE PERMITS ONCE YOU HAVE CONFIRMED THAT YOUR CLIENT HAS PAID FOR HIS/HER PERMITS ACCORDINGLY.





A 12 day safari which starts in Entebbe and finishes in Kigali. A safari that traces the western Rift Valley in the heart of Africa, starting with game viewing on the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park - elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. In Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees. See the rich wildlife and array of birds on the Kazinga Channel. Seeing some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world is a fantastic experience and this safari takes you to three gorilla parks - Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda and PNV in Rwanda. It offers an opportunity to track gorillas five times, twice in Bwindi, once in Mgahinga/Nkuringo, and twice in PNV.

Bwindi in Uganda has four habituated families and the gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper. You can also go for nature walks to see birds, monkeys and orchids. Mgahinga, in Uganda, is a great place to appreciate the unique Virunga volcanoes and it has one habituated family. When this group sometimes moves across the border, tracking at Nkuringo in Southern Bwindi is possible. You can also climb a volcano or go for a nature walk, visit the endangered golden monkey or go birding.

PNV in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest usually takes only a few hours. You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey's grave or visit the endangered golden monkey. At the end of the safari fly out from Kigali.
Clients stay 3 nights at Mweya/Jacana, 3 nights at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, 2 nights at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge and 3 nights at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.

Day 1 SUNDAY
Depart London to Entebbe

Day 2 MONDAY
Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, welcomed by a Volcanoes guide. Briefing on the great African adventure. Set off on the southbound road at 10am. On the way see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator, bargain at the roadside markets. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).

Day 3 TUESDAY
Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife, rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening game drive. The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).

Day 4 WEDNESDAY
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).

Day 5 THURSDAY
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 5 FRIDAY
Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 7 SATURDAY
Either go gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at the time of booking subject to permit availability) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively go for a stroll around the Lodge or for a community walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 8 SUNDAY
Leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and the beautiful terraced hills. Proceed, via the frontier town of Kisoro, up the mountain to Mgahinga at 2,300m. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).

Day 9 MONDAY
Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, or go for a nature walk or visit golden monkeys in Mgahinga. O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).

Day 10 TUESDAY
Either relax or walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities in day 8 in the morning (except gorilla tracking) and transfer to Rwanda after lunch. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Stroll around the Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 11 WEDNESDAY
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 12 THURSDAY
Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 13 FRIDAY
Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and the genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport. (HB). Fly home via Nairobi

Day 14 SATURDAY
Arrive in London



For more details please call us on 01285 650011