ITINERARY FOR ULTIMATE UGANDA SAFARI Uganda
Let your imagination soar Journey overview This incredible 16-Day Uganda tour offers the ultimate exploration of the country s most prized landscapes as well as a host of unforgettable wildlife encounters most notably with Uganda s iconic primates; the playful chimpanzee and the majestic mountain gorilla. Trekking through what is arguably the best gorilla habitat in the world, and be utterly overwhelmed when you first see these exquisite primates. Travel to the country s most remote conservation area, the Kidepo Valley, famous for its mountainous terrain and large variety of big game. Discover the dramatic Murchison Falls, in the Murchison Falls National Park, which is bisected by the mighty river Nile. Strap on your hiking boots for a memorable trek in the foothills of Mountain Rwenzori. Delight in the enchanting and playful antics of the chimpanzees of Kibale National Park. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring surrounds of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any reserve in the world. Leaving the best for last; spend two, truly humbling and breath-taking days trekking the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Expect an adventure filled-to-the-brim with a range of wildlife and cultural activities, as well as exceptional accommodation throughout. What we love about this journey Trek gorilla in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Spend half a day (instead of just an hour) with a team of people habituating chimps Trekking among chimpanzees and 12 other species of primates Embark on a boat trip along the Nile, which is often cited as being the highlight of a trip to the Murchison Falls National Park Cast your line and try your hand at fishing and catch a Nile Perch Marvel at the array of fauna and flora in the Queen Elizabeth National park, set against a backdrop of beautiful lakes Relax in tranquil beauty on a sunset cruise on the sparkling Kazinga Channel, home to one of Africa s greatest hippo populations Engage with the unique Ik people of Kidepo, one of Africa s most isolated tribes Delight in vehicle and boat safaris through one of Uganda s best birding areas, and observe the Shoebill Peer into tangled trees and observe the famous tree climbing lions of Uganda as well as the Uganda Kob Specially created for: Wildlife enthusiasts Walking and adventure travellers Repeat African addicts
At a glance 15 nights / 16 days by arrangement Guest DAY PROGRAMME Day 1 Private transfer from Entebbe Domestic Airport to The Boma Hotel Entebbe Overnight: The Boma Hotel Entebbe Day 2 Transfer from The Boma Hotel Entebbe to Entebbe Domestic Airport Scheduled flight from Entebbe Airport to Kidepo Airstrip Overnight: Apoka Safari Lodge Day 3 Included activities: Game Drive at Kidepo Valley National Park Overnight: Apoka Safari Lodge Day 4 Transfer from Apoka Safari Lodge to Kidepo Airstrip Charter flight from Kidepo Airstrip to Bugungu Airstrip Transfer from Bugungu Airstrip to Baker's Lodge Overnight: Baker's Lodge Day 5 Overnight: Baker's Lodge Day 6 Private transfer from Bakers Lodge to Bugungu Airstrip Scheduled flight from Bugungu Airstrip to Kasese Airstrip Transfer from Kasese Airstrip to Kyaninga Lodge Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge Day 7 Included activities: Chimpanze Trekking Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge Day 8 Private transfer from Kyanunga Lodge to Semliki Game Reserve Included activities: Game Drives
Overnight: Semliki Safari Lodge Day 9 Included activities: Boat Cruise on Lake Albert Overnight: Semliki Safari Lodge Day 10 Transfer from Semiliki Safari Lodge to Queen Elizabeth National Park Included activities: Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park Overnight: Kyambura Gorge Lodge Day 11 Included activities: Boat safari at the Kazinga Chanel Overnight: Kyambura Gorge Lodge Day 12 Private transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Lodge Included activities: Game Drive at Ishasha Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Camp 13 Transfer from Ishasha Wilderness Camp to Bwindi Included activities: Hike through Bwindi Forest Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge 14 Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge 15 Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge 16 Scheduled transfer from Clouds Mountain Lodge to Kisoro Airstrip Charter flight from Kisoro Airstrip to Entebbe Airport Departure
The Boma Hotel Entebbe Entebbe, Uganda Day 1 Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met and transferred to The Boma Hotel. Spend 1 night at Boma Hotel in a Standard Room with ensuite bathroom.
The Boma Hotel Entebbe Entebbe, Uganda One of Entebbe s most exclusive hotels, the Boma Hotel sits in a leafy suburb just a few minutes away from Entebbe International Airport. Surrounded by a lush, tropical garden, the hotel effortlessly mixes together local tradition and the charm of a 1940 s colonial home. This intimate hotel offers just 15 luxurious ensuite rooms, individually decorated with a tasteful blend of African fabric and colonial furnishings. Each room offers a four-poster bed with mosquito netting, satellite television, WiFi and a beautiful private verandah from which to enjoy the peaceful garden. The landscaped garden is home to a sparkling swimming pool as well as an excellent restaurant and bar that enjoys views of Lake Victoria. There is also a play area with swings, a slide and a playhouse to keep children happily occupied. When not relaxing at the hotel, guests can visit the nearby Entebbe Botanical Garden, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, or take a fun-filled trip to the beach. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE BOMA HOTEL ENTEBBE Enjoy the highest hospitality standards, which are in keeping with the tradition of the charming lakeshore town of Entebbe. Relax by the swimming pool or in the pretty garden, which attracts various species of birds, as well as tortoises and vervet monkeys. Rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle to the magnificent Entebbe Botanical Garden to spend a tranquil morning or afternoon.
Apoka Safari Lodge Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda Day 2 3 After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight from Entebbe Airport to Kidepo Airstrip. Spend 2 nights at Apoka Safari Lodge in a cottage with ensuite bathroom. Included activities: Game Drive at Kidepo Valley National Park
Apoka Safari Lodge Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda Located in the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, the ten rooms of Apoka Safari Lodge surround a rocky kopje and offer endless views across the grassy savannah. The décor takes its cue from the environment, featuring rock, wood and natural hues. Hand-hewn wooden beds are draped with soft, white mosquito nets, while hand-woven woollen carpets offer an element of added warmth. Secluded sitting rooms and private verandas cater for quiet moments, while the ensuite bathroom features a large tropical shower and deep outdoor bathtub. Huge boulders surround a sparkling swimming pool hewn out of the rock, while the spacious lounge provides games and books for shared moments. Game drives set out in search of the local wildlife and include thrilling spotlit night drives. Guests can venture out on guided walks, tracking game in the deep sand of dry riverbeds. Kidepo is renowned for its vast number of bird species and the area around the lodge offers rewarding bird watching. Excursions to the local Karamajong community can also be arranged. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT APOKA SAFARI LODGE Lie back in the stone outdoor bathtub and enjoy a lazy soak beneath the African stars. Take in the views from your private veranda. Don t forget a pair of binoculars giraffe, elephant, buffalo and zebra are frequently spotted on the grassy plains in front of the lodge. Find a comfortable spot among the big boulders that surround the guest area and watch as the sun sets behind the craggy mountains, bathing the entire valley in a soft, golden light.
Baker's Lodge Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda Day 4 You will be collected from Apoka Safari Lodge and driven to Kidepo Airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Bugungu Airstrip. Upon arrival at Bugungu Airstrip you will be driven with fellow guests to Baker's Lodge. Spend 2 nights at Bakers Lodge in a safari suite with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes 3 multiple course meals per day, all hot beverages and bar snacks, drinking water with meals and in rooms, and other lodge services provided at Bakers Lodge.
Baker's Lodge Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda Deriving its name from the historic English explorer Samuel Baker, Baker s Lodge is situated on the South bank of the mighty Nile River which transects Murchison Falls National Park. This intimate, safari styled lodge is set within a large private area with direct river access, large shady trees and wetland areas hosting abundant bird life along the water s edge. The views onto the river are vast and magnificent with islands hosting nesting egret birds, elephants bathing and pods of hippos regularly viewed.
Kyaninga Lodge Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda Day 6-7 You will be collected for your scheduled flight to Kasese Airstrip and driven to Kyaninga Lodge. Set against a stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the legendary Mountains of the Moon beyond, Kyaninga Lodge offers eight beautiful cottages, built on platforms to make the most of the region s spectacular views. The main guest area features a cosy fireplace, two intimate galleries and various outdoor areas, a sparkling pool, and tennis court. Spend 2 nights at Kyaninga Lodge in a cottage with en-suite bathroom. Your stay includes 3 multiple course meals per day and activities. After checking into the lodge, tuck into a mouth-watering lunch before grabbing a quick siesta before your afternoon game viewing experience. Alternatively, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure and after a scrumptious dinner, head out on a spotlit night drive. Included activities: Chimpanze Trekking
Kyaninga Lodge Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda Set against the striking backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the legendary Mountains of the Moon, Kyaninga Lodge is the epitome of luxury and style in the wild heart of Africa. Built from over a thousand hand carved logs, the main building s exceptional design and scale provides an extraordinary first impression, and sets the tone for the rest of the lodge. Once inside, the lodge offers comfortable seating areas around an arresting double-sided, open fireplace, and two raised galleries boast intimate spaces for those wishing to absorb the evocative landscape in a more private setting. The lodge s eight cottages are built on platforms, which are set apart to offer privacy and tranquillity. Each beautifully appointed cottage boasts stylishly rustic furniture, a private deck and an elegant bathroom with a marble countertop basin, a claw-footed freestanding bath, and a glass-walled shower. Delicious meals, using locally sourced ingredients, are served in the main building, while the swimming pool, which overlooks the lake, provides the perfect spot to soak up the surrounding natural beauty. Guests looking for a little more adventure can follow the steps down from the pool to the remarkably blue waters of the lake surrounded by primeval forest.
Semliki Safari Lodge Semuliki National Park, Uganda Day 8 9 You will be collected from Kyaninga Lodge and driven to Semliki Game Reserve. Enjoy 2 night at Semlik Safari Lodge in a Tent with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals, all game activities, walk and beverages (non-premium drinks). Depart for Games Drives. Included activities: Game Drives Boat Cruise on Lake Albert
Semliki Safari Lodge Semuliki National Park, Uganda The only lodge in the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve, the traditional and rustic Semliki Lodge offers a truly private game viewing experience. Eight canvas tents under thatched roofs feature gleaming hardwood floors, hand-carved four poster beds and soft Persian carpets. Private verandas open up onto panoramic views, while spacious interiors and sofas piled high with cushions invite guests to while the hours away. The main lodge is a large, comfortable living space where guests can converge to watch the sunset, swap stories of the day s adventures and gather around massive, hand-hewn tables to share mouth-watering meals. A sparkling swimming pool offers not only the ideal place to cool down but also spectacular vistas of the Blue Mountains. Apart from morning and evening game drives, guests can choose to take part in chimpanzee tracking or take a guided walk through the jungle. The ample birdlife is ideal for keen birdwatchers, while avid fishermen can try their luck during a boat trip on Lake Albert. Visits to the local community can be arranged for a glimpse of traditional life. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT SEMLIKI LODGE Waking up to a soft knock on the door, and savouring warm muffins and coffee while sitting on the private veranda, taking in the views of mountain, savannah, forest and river valley. The delicious food everything is home-made, from fresh bread baked daily to tasty soups, relishes and chutneys. The incomparable luxury of knowing that, no matter how you chose to spend your day, you have the entire reserve all to yourself.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Day 10-11 You will be collected from Semliki Game Reserve and driven to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Spend 2 nights at Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge in a standard room with ensuite bathroom. Depart for a Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Included activities: Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park Boat safari at the Kazinga Chanel
Kyambura Gorge Lodge Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Once a coffee store and processing plant, surrounded by coffee plantations, the Kyambura Gorge Lodge is today a modern and stylish lodge, which boasts incredible views over the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the legendary Mountains of the Moon in the distance. Reflecting the local building style, the lodge s eight rustic-chic cottages are nestled into the hillside, and provide spectacular views of the park. The cottages also offer eco-luxury comforts including an ensuite bathroom with a flushing toilet, double vanity, and a shower with hot and cold running water. The main lodge building has been sensitively restored to create a stunning and contemporary living space, balancing the history of the building with a series of distinct luxury spaces for guests to relax and enjoy delicious meals. When not exploring the many wonders of the national park, guests can cool off by the sparkling pool, or take advantage of the complimentary massage offered by the lodge. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT KYAMBURA GORGE LODGE Go chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge. Enjoy a boat cruise through the Kazinga Channel and catch glimpses of hippo, buffalo and elephant. Take a game drive through the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Day 12 You will be collected from Queen Elizabeth National Park and driven to Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Spend 1 nights at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in a standard room with ensuite bathroom. Included activities: Game Drive at Ishasha
Ishasha Wilderness Camp Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness. This exclusive camp offers superb quality accommodation and services in this unspoilt remote sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees in the area. Being within the park the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently viewed.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda Day 13 You will be collected from Ishasha Wilderness Camp and driven to Bwindi. Spend 3 nights at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in a cottage with en-suite bathroom. Your stay includes 3 multiple course meals per day, all hot beverages and bar snacks, drinks and activities. Included activities: Hike through Bwindi Forest
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda Set on a forested ridge near the entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge boasts eight spacious cottages built from volcanic stone. Spectacular views stretch all the way to the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, as well as across the border into the Congo, where the glow of Nyiragongo Volcano can be seen on a clear night. Warm and welcoming, each cottage features a bedroom, ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and separate lounge. Comfortable chairs on the outdoor verandas provide the perfect vantage point to admire the unforgettable vistas of the forest below. Blazing fireplaces create a cosy glow as evening falls. Meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area or in the privacy of your stone cottage. The lodge is situated within easy walking distance of the trail where guests can begin their gorilla trekking adventure. Guided forest walks and bird watching expeditions explore the surroundings, while local community visits give a glimpse of traditional life. WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE The delicious homemade cakes served on your private veranda by your personal butler each afternoon. A relaxing foot massage booked for right after your gorilla trekking expedition. The beautiful artworks displayed throughout the lodge these are commissioned from a Ugandan artist and can be specially ordered for guests.
Departure Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda Day 16 You will be collected from Clouds Mountain Lodge and driven to Kisoro Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Entebbe Airport.
Journey overview RATES VALIDITY Per person sharing Low season: (1 Mar 31 May 19; 1 Oct 30 Nov 19) USD 22 171 Mid season: (11 Jan 28 Feb 19; 1 30 Jun 19; 1 30 Sep 19; 1 14 Dec 19) USD 23 407 High season: (1 Jan 10 Jan 19; 1 Jul 31 Aug 19; 15 Dec 31 Dec 19) USD 24 828 Flights DETAILS Entebbe Airport to Kidepo Airstrip Kidepo Airstrip to Bugungu Airstrip Bugungu Airstrip to Kasese Airstrip Kisoro Airstrip to Entebbe Airport Transfers DETAILS Uganda Safari Company, The Entebbe Domestic Airport to The Boma Hotel Entebbe Uganda Safari Company, The The Boma Hotel Entebbe to Entebbe Domestic Airport Uganda Safari Company, The Apoka Safari Lodge to Kidepo Airstrip Uganda Safari Company, The Bugungu Airstrip to Baker's Lodge Uganda Safari Company, The Bakers Lodge to Bugungu Airstrip Uganda Safari Company, The Kasese Airstrip to Kyaninga Lodge Uganda Safari Company, The Kyanunga Lodge to Semliki Game Reserve Uganda Safari Company, The Semiliki Safari Lodge to Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda Safari Company, The Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Lodge Uganda Safari Company, The Ishasha Wilderness Camp to Bwindi Uganda Safari Company, The Clouds Mountain Lodge to Kisoro Airstrip
Accommodation DESTINATION ACCOMMODATION DETAILS Entebbe Kidepo Valley National Park The Boma Hotel Entebbe Apoka Safari Lodge Breakfast All meals and local brands of drinks Murchison Falls National Park Baker's Lodge Kibale Forest National Park Semuliki National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Kyaninga Lodge Semliki Safari Lodge Kyambura Gorge Lodge Ishasha Wilderness Camp Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge All meals and local brands of drinks Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast All meals and local brands of drinks All meals and local brands of drinks All meals and local brands of drinks All meals and local brands of drinks
Journey overview What s included: Meals as specified in the itinerary Drinks as stipulated in itinerary Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary Water in the vehicle for overland sectors Amref Flying Doctors emergency evacuation Scheduled and Charter flights, inclusive of airport taxes where applicable, as specified in the itinerary NB: Baggage restriction of 15kgs per person (no more) is applicable on all flights in small, soft -sided bags. This includes hand luggage. Extra luggage will incur a charge of $3 per kg, per sector, to be paid directly tothe airline upon checkin.nb: Certain routings have restrictions on schedules and have minimum numbers: details will be confirmed upon booking. All ground transportation and transfers as indicated, which are inclusive of fuel Activities as stipulated in the itinerary Game drives in a shared 4-wheel drive vehicle at Lodges where indicated Park, ranger guide, conservation fees Community bed night fees All applicable taxes and administration fees Gorilla and/or Chimpanzee permits as stipulated in the itinerary: o Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking is subject to availability of permits, which are limited to 8 per Gorilla family per day and 6 per Chimpanzee family per ½ day. Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits cannot be held/secured/booked with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Development Board in advance of payment they are only secured once physically paid for. We can check availability of permits but we cannot hold them. We will invoice for the permits, and as soon as the funds clear in our account, we will go ahead and purchase. Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are always 100% non-transferable and non-refundable. There is a minimum age limit for gorilla tracking of 15 years (no exceptions). In Uganda, please be advised that if clients are staying at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, we shall endeavour to buy Nkuringo Gorilla group permits the Nkuringo group tracking start point is close to the Lodge. If at the time of booking, Nkuringo group permits are not available, we shall secure permits from the Rushaga group (encompassing the Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye and Bweza Families) which is a 45 60-minute drive from Clouds. There is an additional cost of approximately $188 (per vehicle) which transfers guests to the tracking start point, waits and returns them to the Lodge. Excludes: All passport and visa fees: o Uganda: With effect from 01 July 2016, the Government of Uganda has introduced an online visa application system. Guests intending to visit Uganda for tourism-purposes are required to apply and obtain a visa online: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. We have a separate document detailing more information on how-to apply please advise us if you need this. Single entry tourist visas are available at a cost of $50 (reduced from $100 on 22 July 2016), and East African tourist visas (between Uganda Rwanda Kenya) are available at a cost of $100. East African tourist visas (between Uganda Rwanda Kenya) are available at a cost of $100. All health vaccinations and medications, including, but not limited to: o Yellow Fever vaccinations are currently compulsory for entry into Uganda. All those entering Uganda must be in possession of a valid and original Yellow Fever vaccination card
International flights and associated airport departure taxes Meals not specified (including lunch and other meal stops between properties on overland sectors) Drinks where not stipulated in itinerary Items of a personal nature Laundry in Kampala / Entebbe Gratuities for guides / drivers / hotel staff etc. Any extras and additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary Charges incurred as a result of delays or cancellations or other inconveniences beyond our control Trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage insurance All statutory increases beyond our control Travel / medical insurance Notes: Rates subject to a minimum of 2 guests travelling Gorilla trekking subject to availability of permits at time of booking payment of permit price may be required to secure permit Baggage restriction of 15kgs per person (no more) is applicable on all flights in small, soft-sided bags. Certain routings have restrictions on schedules and have minimum numbers: details can be confirmed upon booking Massages at additional cost Single supplement only refers to the single room supplement. Single traveller supplement will be quoted on request There is a minimum age limit for gorilla trekking which is strictly 15 years. Validity periods are as specified above - should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, ROE, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in the countries featured in this quote &Beyond Trading Terms apply