Active Uganda

Tour Highlights: 

• Mt Gahinga Volcano climb
• Batwa trail
• Nkuringa Trail to Bwindi
• Gorilla Trekking

Day 1

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to Hotel No.5.

Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or local boda bodas (motorbike taxis). 

Enjoy an afternoon motorised canoe boat cruise of Mabamba Swamp, a large wetland that is a favourable habitat for 260 recorded species of bird, making it a popular location for birders who may just spot the intriguing Shoebill – a rare sight indeed! The trip takes around 3-4 hours.

Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym.

For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride. Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city.

Overnight at Hotel No.5 (www.hotelnumber5.com), with breakfast included.

Day 2

You will be collected after breakfast by your guide for your full day’s drive to Kisoro in Southern Uganda. The drive is approximately 9 hours with a stop for a picnic lunch en route.

Lake Chahafi Resort is a simple, no frills lodge set in picturesque surroundings with stunning views over the lake and distant volcanoes. With just 8 spacious chalets, a well-stocked bar and a restaurant serving delicious meals, guests will delight in the super friendly service found here. While promising nothing fancy, it’s a comfortable, affordable stay, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and is well located for those looking to explore Magahinga National Park.

Overnight at Lake Chahafi Resort, on a full board basis.

Day 3

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda’s smallest national park, and was established to protect endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys that inhabit its dense forests. Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three extinct Volcanoes that dominate the landscape, and the forest holds a great cultural significance for the indigenous Batwa Pygmies.

Tackle Mt. Gahinga today – at 3,474m, it’s the smallest of the Virunga volcanoes. This climb takes around six hours in total including ascent and descent. Mt Gahinga is topped by a swamp-filled crater and giant lobelia. Lucky climbers may spot golden monkeys on their climb through the bamboo forest.

Overnight at Lake Chahafi Resort, on a full board basis

Day 4

Head out today on the intriguing Batwa Trail.

The dense forest at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes was once home to the Batwa people: hunter-gatherers and fierce warriors who depended on the forest for shelter, food and medicine thanks to ancient knowledge passed down through many generations. Step back in time to see how the Batwa lived and hunted for millennia in Mgahinga. Share a traditional meal, listen to ancient legends and traditional songs, and join in on a mock hunting party. You can even test your skill with a Batwa bow and arrow.

The funds from this tour are part of a give back program that supports the indigenous people’s cultural heritage by helping them purchase new land, provide education and books.

Overnight at Lake Chahafi Resort, on a full board basis.

Day 5

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. This “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – including several habituated families. This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 species of mammal, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes.  There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

The Nkuringo – Buhoma walking trail is a wonderfully immersive way of travelling from the Southern to Northern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. While your driver heads off on a long windy road with your luggage to your next stop, Buhoma Lodge, explore this primal forest on a 3-4 hour trail cutting right across the park.

Set within the National Park and just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, Buhoma Lodge offers cosy accommodation in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views of the pristine rain forest canopy. Renowned for its warm welcome and attentive service, Buhoma is an eco-friendly lodge operating on solar power, and has been constructed using sustainable local materials. Each of the ten wooden chalets has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and watch out for the occasional mountain gorilla that has ventured right in to visit the lodge.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included  www.ugandaexclusivecamps.com

Day 6

Gorilla Tracking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Few words can describe the thrill of today’s lifetime experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter that is exhilarating, humbling and enthralling. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes. Please note that gorilla tracking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 minutes and up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions.

The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is so worth the trek! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.    

Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included.

Day 7

Transfer after breakfast to Kihihi airstrip, about 90 minutes from Buhoma Lodge, for your light aircraft scheduled flight to Entebbe.

Approximate flying time: 90 minutes.

End of services.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Airport transfer from Entebbe International to Hotel No. 5
• 1 night accommodation at Hotel No. 5 in Entebbe including breakfast
• Afternoon Mabamba Swamp Cruise
• Transport in our specially adapted safari vehicles with English speaking local driver/guide
• Bottled water in safari vehicle
• 3 nights accommodation at Lake Chahafi Lodge on a full board basis
• Mgahinga Volcano Climb
• Batwa Trail
• Nkuringo Forest walk from Nkuringo to Bwindi
• 2 nights accommodation at Buhoma Lodge on a full board basis including 3 meals daily and local drinks  
• Scheduled charter flight from Kihihi to Entebbe in a light aircraft (15 kg luggage restriction)
• Full liability insurance cover and 24 hour emergency contact

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

• Gorilla Permit USD 600 per person for the first permit (USD 670 per additional permit) (Increase to USD 700 for first permit and USD 770 per additional permit from July 2020)
• All international flights and airport taxes
• Personal expenses such as porters, drinks, tips, visas and travel insurance
• Services/activities/meals not included above

OPTIONAL UPGRADES:

• We have quoted on a lead in, standard accommodation option in Kisoro, however there are many other accommodation options from budget to luxury.
• There is also an option to FLY from Entebbe to Kisoro, avoiding a full days drive.
• We can tailormake your package to suit your exact requirements.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: 

Yellow fever inoculation is compulsory and malaria prophylactics are recommended. For gorilla trekking it is imperative that you are healthy and free of any disease or virus – officials do have the right to refuse entry if you are found to have or show any signs of communicable illnesses. Should you opt to spend time participating in any UWEC Wildlife Integration programme, you may require additional inoculations and health clearances. 

VISA REQUIREMENTS: 

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda. All visitors who require a visa should apply through the online application system prior to arrival at https://visas.immigration.go.ug. Cost is USD 50, single entry.  Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after return date of travel, or 12 months in the case of UK nationals, and have at least 3 blank pages in it. The newly established EAC Visa allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for one fee of USD100 – handy if you are visiting all three regions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Is compulsory for all guests travelling with Wild Frontiers.