Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with immigration and lead you outside to meet your guide for the short drive to The Boma Hotel.
The Boma Hotel is a charming boutique hotel in the lush tropical gardens of Entebbe. The rooms are a fusion of modern comforts and the hotel's original 1940s character, featuring locally crafted furniture that adds to its inviting atmosphere.
Overnight Boma Hotel
Day 2
Batwa Community Visit
Have an early breakfast at The Boma Hotel, then meet your driver to return to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Kisoro.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a representative from the Gahinga Lodge, who will assist with your transfer to your accommodation.
After checking in, enjoy lunch on-site before visiting the Batwa Community later this afternoon. The Batwa were the first inhabitants of the forest, and during this experience, you’ll learn about their history and traditions cultivated over thousands of years.
Later, return to Gahinga Lodge to relax and have dinner.
Gahinga Lodge was inspired by traditional design and building techniques. The luxury handcrafted bandas beautifully showcase the vibrant colors of the Bufimbira people, each with a private veranda that offers views of the Virunga volcanoes. Every room includes a cozy fireplace and ensuite bathroom.
Overnight Gahinga Lodge
Day 3
Hike Mount Sabinyo
With a packed lunch, set off to the trailhead of the Mount Sabinyo hike. As you make your way up to the summit, watch for the elusive bushbuck and the Golden Monkey, both unique to the Virunga region. From the top, you'll be treated to views of the entire volcanic mountain range, including Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Mikeno, and the often snow-capped Mt. Visoke.
After returning to the trailhead, you'll be brought back to Gahinga Lodge to freshen up. Then, enjoy a private transfer to Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, located in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
At over 6,560 feet (2,000m) above sea level, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the highest lodge in Uganda. Each cottage is crafted from local volcanic stone and has a spacious sitting room with a fireplace, comfortable armchairs, and beautifully hand-woven carpets.
Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 4
Gorilla Tracking Experience
Set out on a full-day adventure tracking gorillas in the Nkuringo area. Guided by experienced trackers, you'll hike through the bush, navigating through dense undergrowth to find the gorillas. Depending on their location, the trek can range from half an hour to several hours, so a reasonable fitness level and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are essential.
Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 5
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Walking Safari
Early this morning, a lodge representative will collect you for the drive to Nteko, where you'll set off on a walking safari across the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Porters will carry your luggage, allowing you to concentrate on the trail. Your local guide will share their knowledge of the area and provide a comfortable introduction to the jungle. For added security, two armed rangers will accompany you on your hike. During the half-day hike, you'll pass through villages and the scenic Bwindi Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for birdlife and primates; you might even see gorillas if you're lucky.
Once you cross through the forest, your driver will be waiting to take you to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Once you've checked in, unwind and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Honey Bear Bush Camp.
Honey Bear Bush Camp features five luxurious ensuite tents and is an intimate and classic safari experience as it is the only camp within the entire reserve. Each tent is thoughtfully positioned to provide stunning views of the Kazinga Channel and the Rwenzori Mountains. Drift off to sleep listening to the grunts of hippos and awaken to the sight of herds of elephants coming to quench their thirst. Every ensuite bathroom includes running water, flush toilets, and an outdoor ‘safari style’ bush shower. At night, enjoy stargazing while the sounds of nearby wildlife surround you.
Overnight Honey Bear Bush Camp
Day 6
Game Drive and Chimpanzee Tracking
Begin your day with a hot cup of coffee before heading out for a game drive on the park's scenic trails, including the renowned Kasenyi trail. Spot various wildlife, such as waterbucks, Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, lions and warthogs.
Later, transfer to Kyambura Gorge for an afternoon of chimpanzee tracking. Kyambura Gorge is an underground tropical forest within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stretching about half a mile (1 km) long and plunging 320 feet (100m) deep creates a unique ecosystem. Often referred to as the “Valley of Apes,” the gorge is home to a small community of chimpanzees and other smaller primates. The chimpanzee population here is habituated, making this the only spot in Queen Elizabeth National Park where tourists can track these fascinating creatures.
Overnight Honey Bear Bush Camp
Day 7
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy a leisurely mid-morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for a chance to see hippos up close, over 100 species of water birds, roaming elephants, and Nile crocodiles basking on the banks.
Enjoy lunch at the lodge before heading to Kilembe Trackers Lodge for your next adventure.
Overnight Kilembe Trackers Lodge
Day 8
Begin Your Three-Night Trek
On this first day of your three-day hike, traverse through the towering trees of the Afro-montane forest zone for a steady 6km climb, followed by a steep ascent to Sine Hut. Along the way, you'll have the chance to admire numerous plant and flower species, spot various birds, and perhaps even encounter some wildlife, such as Columbus monkeys.
Sine Camp, located 8,500 feet (2,598m) above sea level, was built within the lush tropical rainforest and offers views of Enock Falls, just 650 feet (200m) away. The camp features four wooden cabins equipped with solar-powered lighting and shared washrooms.
Overnight Sine Hut
Day 9
Hike to Mutinda Camp
As you trek through the Bamboo and Heather-Rapanea zone, the trail winds over several gentle knolls along the ridge and then descends into the valley. Cross multiple small streams and pass by moss-covered waterfalls. Look for the Giant Heather trees, whose trunks are draped in green moss and branches are covered in old man beards (Usnea lichen). After reaching Mutinda Camp, you have the option to summit Mutinda Lookout at 13,000 feet (3,975 m).
Mutinda Camp is situated along the Heather Zone, with stunning views of the Mutinda Lookout, streams winding through the valley, and several peaks yet to be summited. The camp features shared wooden cabins with outside washing facilities.
Overnight Mutinda Hut
Day 10
Hike to Bugata Camp
Today, the trail will lead you through a valley with unique plant species, streams, and waterfalls. The journey becomes more challenging with steep ridges, muddy patches, and high steps, but the stunning views make it all worthwhile.
Bugata Camp lies within the Afro-alpine zone, featuring shared wooden cabins and external washing facilities. You'll be captivated by the views of Nyamugasani Valley, including glacial lakes and Bugata Lake. Take in the panoramic views of Keki Peak and the majestic Mt. Luigi di Savoia.
Overnight Bugata Hut
Day 11
Summit Weismann's Peak
At Bugata Camp, rise early to begin your ascent of Weismann's Peak, standing tall at 15,100 feet (4,620m). After reaching the summit, you will descend via a different path, completing a loop down the Nyamwamba Valley.
Settle in for the night at Kiharo Camp, which sits at 11,300 feet (3,460m).
Overnight Kiharo Hut
Day 12
Rest Day at Semliki Safari Lodge
As you descend the mountain, weave past the moss-covered rocks alongside rivers and through the forest until you reach the base camp in Kilembase. Transfer to Semliki Safari Lodge in the late afternoon to enjoy a hot bath and wind down with an evening beverage.
Perched on the crest of the Wassa River Valley, Semliki Safari Lodge offers a secluded and intimate retreat. This cozy lodge overlooks the Riverine Valley, with the Rwenzori Mountains rising in the distance. Enjoy a spacious common dining area and an array of unique traditional art throughout the lodge. There’s also a patio bar and a swimming pool area with a breezy shaded lounge, making it an ideal spot for unwinding on a lazy afternoon. Each tent has a thatched roof and an ensuite bathroom with hot running water and showers.
Overnight Semliki Safari Lodge
Day 13
Game Drive and Nature Walk
This morning, head out for an exciting game drive in the Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Watch for elephants, buffalo, waterbucks, warthogs, and Uganda kob. You may even spot leopards or bushbabies.
Later in the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through the Riverine Mugiri Forest, home to the Chimpanzee Research Project. With over 24 miles (40 km) of trails, this trek lasts 3 to 4 hours. Your knowledgeable ranger guides will help you find key primate species, including chimpanzees, Red-tailed, vervet, Black and white colobus, and baboons. You may also encounter ungulates such as waterbucks, warthogs, bushbucks, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and even elephants.
Overnight Semliki Safari Lodge
Day 14
Sunrise Boat Trip
Wake early for a sunrise boat trip on Lake Albert, where you can see the endangered shoebill in its natural habitat. You may also see the African pygmy goose, blue-breasted and blue-cheeked bee-eaters, and the blue-headed coucal.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a laid-back afternoon.
Overnight Semliki Safari Lodge
Day 15
Departure Day
This morning, you'll be transferred to Semliki Airstrip for your flight to Entebbe aboard a four-seater plane. After your arrival, you can relax at the airport while you wait for your connecting outbound flight.
