Uganda habituation experiences for gorillas, chimps, monkeys, lions habituation & Kidepo NP Safari - 15 Days

Uganda Gorilla habituation, chimps, monkey  and lion habituation with  Kidepo Safari – 15 Days of Wildlife Habituation Experiences with BIG-5 and Endagered primates.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport, Optional “Behind the Scenes” Tour at Uganda Wildlife Education Center (Entebbe zoo).

Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you are met by your safari guide. Go through the program for your stay here in detail before being transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. If you will be arriving early in the day, you could choose to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center for some intimate time with the wildlife here.

In this specially arranged "behind the scenes"  experience, you will observe the animals’ behaviour and experience first hand how the keepers feed the lions, carry out health checks, or bring them back to their holding facilities. Have the luxury of a privileged few and visit the food preparation areas, the pharmacy, the exhibits and much, much more. This way you can say that you have truly visited the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Top-Luxury: Hotel No.5

Luxury: Protea Mariott Hotel - Entebbe

Moderate: Lake Heights Entebbe Hotel or 2 Friends Beach Hotel

Budget: Gately Inn Entebbe

Day 2: Drive to Ziwa Rhinos for Rhino Tracking 

You will be picked by our driver/guide at your hotel or residence in Entebbe after you have had breakfast ready to start your tour to the most isolated national park in Uganda and we will drive you through the plain and remote vegetation to the northern part of the country.

Within about three hours we arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will be tracking the white rhinos

The Rhino revival project is an initiative of two organizations, Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is situated about one hundred and seventy-six kilometers (approximately 100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway as you are heading towards Murchison Falls National Park.

 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you will get the opportunity to see rhinos in the wild. 

At the moment the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a habitat for 34 southern white rhinos. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has become very popular with tourists in recent years. It’s a perfect spot for rhino trekking, nature walks, bird watching, and relaxation.

Accommodation (all meals included)

Top Luxury & Luxury: Amuka Safari Lodge

Midrange: Amuka Safari Lodge

Low Budget: Ziwa Rhino Camp

Day 3: Onwards to Kidepo Valley National Park, Traditional Karimajong  Tribe Cultural Experience

Today you will travel to Kidepo Valley N.P. A long but rewarding drive will take you past one of the most beautiful sceneries in Uganda.

If you can plan today on a Wednesday you'll have the chance to experience an authentic Karamajong cattle market  (that is today in this tour). Some herders walk for 5 hours to be able to buy or sell their goats, cows, or chicken here. It’s a colorful and stunning sight and one of the few remaining authentic experiences. Don’t miss this!

The Karamojong are related to the Maasai in Kenya and live and dress similarly. The main difference is that not any other tourist is going here. Only a few years ago, tourism in Karamoja would not have been possible due to armed inter-tribal conflict but nowadays it’s safe. 

After this thrilling experience, it is time to enter the most remote and pristine national park in the country, Kidepo Valley National Park. The park has some of the most amazing scenery in the country! For many people, this is the most beautiful park in Uganda. Here you will find almost no tourists leaving you free to enjoy the park and its unique combination of wildlife without distraction

Accommodation (all meals included)

Top Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Luxury: Adere Safari Lodge

Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (ensuite)

Low Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (sheltered tents with bedding and mosquito nets)

Day 4: Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park 

In Kidepo Valley National Park you will find zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, and leopards. This is also the only place in Uganda where you can find the cheetah and ostrich.

Kidepo is famous for its lions relaxing on the rocks - a scene which may remind you of a certain Disney film. You might even be very lucky to spot a leopard or cheetah! Besides the 4x4 safaris, you can also take a bush walk in the park with an armed ranger.

Accommodation (all meals included)

Top Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge

Luxury: Adere Safari Lodge

Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (ensuite)

Low Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (sheltered tents with bedding and mosquito nets)

Day 5: Murchison Falls National Park

We set off from Kidepo at 7 a.m. after our morning breakfast and drive to Murchison Falls National Park.

This route gives you an opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Labwor hills and in particular the massive and bare Alerek (Kidi Rwot) rock about 55 km from Kotido. 

On arrival at the park, you will relax at your lodge for the rest of the day/evening, dinner and overnight.

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda at 3,840 square kilometers. Here is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls where the River Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 meters in one breathtaking leap.

The park has a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah and provides visitors the opportunity of seeing large concentrations of wildlife including lion, leopard, civet, hyena, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, a host of smaller game, small primates and many bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park is especially famous for crocodiles and hippos.

Once we enter the park,  you will be stopping at the top of the falls which is a fantastic sight. Here the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before ferociously plunging down 43 meters.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Top Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge

Luxury: Thatched cottage at Murchison River Lodge | Deluxe Room at Paraa Safari Lodge

Moderate:  Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 6: Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive | Boat Trip

After breakfast head to the delta in search of birdlife and enjoy the game drive to look for lions, giraffes, herds of elephants, buffaloes, and many more. We will drive back to the lodge for lunch before taking an afternoon boat cruise to the foot of Murchison Falls.

This boat trip along the Nile is often cited as being the highlight of a trip to Murchison since it allows you to get up-close and personal with the animals. Along this stretch of the river, there are reported to be around 4,000 hippos in addition to some enormous Nile crocodiles. The bird life is stunning with brightly colored kingfishers and bee-eaters darting along the riverbanks. If lucky, you may see the rare and prehistoric looking shoebill, which is a cross between the dodo and a dinosaur. The boat takes you to the base of the falls which only adds to their impressiveness.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Top Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge

Luxury: Thatched cottage at Murchison River Lodge | Deluxe Room at Paraa Safari Lodge

Moderate:  Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 7: Kibale National Park & Fort Portal; PM- Bigodi Wetland Primates' walk

Leave Murchison Falls National Park for Kibale Forest National Park via the Lake Albert escarpment, having a good view of the lake. Stopover at Kolping Hotel in Hoima for lunch and after drive across the interesting river Nkusi (flowing from the southern end of Lake Albert, through the villages of Kagadi, joining Victoria Nile). Both rivers join Lake Kyoga and flow through Murchison Falls continue to Lake Albert and north to the Mediterranean sea.

Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through traditional Ugandan villages where you see people at work tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good photo opportunities.

As you approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you enter Uganda's famous tea plantation region. A carpet of green spreads before you, as far as the eye can see, and seems an unusual contrast to the countryside through which you have just passed.

You arrive at Fort Portal, then, continue toward Kibale Forest, one of the great African rainforest research reserves. Years of study by scientists (who have cut a grid through the forest) have habituated many of its animals to human observers. This forest is famed for the variety of primates found here and it is a terrific area for birds. This rural Ugandan town is locally famous for its weaving and basketry, and we can spend some time briefly to examine some of this local art.

Fort Portal is a small and attractive city. The fort was built between 1891 and 1893 and named after Sir Gerald Portal, the British Consul General of Zanzibar who arrived in Uganda in 1892 to formalise the protectorate of Uganda. He died of malaria a few months after the fort was completed.

In the afternoon we visit a nearby forest swamp that is excellent for viewing primates and other forest animals. At the eastern edge of Kibale Forest is Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is maintained by the local community. You will expect birds like the great blue turaco, blue monkeys, baboons, otters, mongoose, bushbucks, bush pigs and among others.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Top Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge| Primate Lodge Kibale 

Moderate: Isunga Lodge| Kibale Forest Camp

Budget: Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 8: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Plus Other Primates

Today we’ll accompany Kibale’s researchers in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to a “soft” habituation project with chimpanzees. You’ll learn to safely observe the chimps during their daily activities, so they get comfortable with human presence without changing their natural behaviours. You will be able to experience the chimp families as they wake up, hunt, patrol, play, fight, copulate, and breastfeed.

Guided by biologists and researchers, we will enjoy unprecedented intimate access to these wild chimps for the entire day until they build their nests at bedtime.

Overnight Lodges/ Camps:

Top Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge| Primate Lodge Kibale 

Moderate: Isunga Lodge| Kibale Forest Camp

Budget: Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Viewing Rwenzoris, Crater Lakes & Wild Animals

We then drive to Queen Elizabeth. The game seen will depend on the season; the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals.

Shift to Queen Elizabeth National Park this morning (about 3 hours driving). Leaving through Fort Portal town, you turn south and early this afternoon enter Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped 16,000 foot Rwenzori Mountains - the famed "Mountains of the Moon".

This 767 square-mile conservation area is bordered on the northeast by Lake George and on the southwest by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga. You will expect to see teeming herds of impala-like Uganda kob, as well as topi, elephant and lion, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.

Overnight Lodges/ Camps:

Top Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge | Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kasenyi Safari Camp |  Mazike Lodge

Luxury: Mweya  Lodge | Katara Lodge

Moderate: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge| Bush Lodge | Enganzi Lodge

Budget: Bush Lodge | Simba Safari Camp

Day 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Jeep Safari, Lion Tracking, Boat Safari

See a different face of the park as we venture off-road with a research team to track lions and contribute to a valuable lion research project in the Ishasha Sector. The researchers' Land-cruiser is fitted with radio-collar-receiving equipment. You get a full briefing on the animals with the opportunity for as much lion photography as you can manage.

After a leisurely lunch on the Mweya Peninsula we’ll enjoy a two-hour boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. This affords the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippos huff and spray and buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink-backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed stork and many others.

Overnight Lodges/ Camps:

Top Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge | Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Kasenyi Safari Camp |  Mazike Lodge

Luxury: Mweya  Lodge | Katara Lodge

Moderate: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge| Bush Lodge | Enganzi Lodge

Budget: Bush Lodge | Simba Safari Camp

Day 11: Tree-climbing Lions, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast we drive further south through stunning savannah grasslands as we head to the southern sector of the park – Ishasha. This is the best area to see the famous tree-climbing lions draped from the low hanging limbs of fig trees. Next, we visit the Kob Mating Ground—a defined area specifically used by these stunning antelopes for challenging other males, enticing females, and mating. Finally, we’ll pass through beautiful savannah grasslands as we head towards the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

While most of today's forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles for over 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list. This includes 310 species of butterflies, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths, and an exceptional 120 species of mammals including 10 primates. The latter includes chimpanzee, L'Hoest's, red-tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboon, and Bwindi's most famous resident, the mountain gorilla.

Bwindi is a prime destination for bird- watchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine Rift endemics – species that are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.

Top Up-market: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge

Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge | Deluxe Cabin room at Gorilla Safari Lodge

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge 

Low Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens 

Day 12: Mountain Gorilla habituation Experience (spending 4 hours with the gorillas)

We have an early morning entry into the mountain gorillas’ sanctuary. Our intimate gorilla habituation experience allows you to accompany the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Bwindi gorilla habituation team for the entire day, allowing you to have a minimum of 4 hours in the presence of a mountain gorilla family – since regular permits only allow 1 hour, this is 4 times the amount of time spent up close with Gorillas – more than any other safari operator! During this time you will be able to experience the gorilla family as they wake up, hunt, patrol, play, fight, copulate and breastfeed until they build their nests at bedtime.

The thrill of spending time with and observing these gentle giants is a rare and moving adventure that will leave you with long-lasting memories. Spending more time with them than the norm means you are assured of the best possible experience, with 4 full hours for better photography, researcher access for more questions, and enough time to experience more intimate and unusual behaviors. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact with each other.

The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. Once the gorillas are sighted, you will be guided to within 6 meters of the gorillas, and be able to sit all around them while gazing into their big round eyes as the researchers note health, behavior, and other characteristics.

Top Up-market: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge

Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge | Deluxe Cabin room at Gorilla Safari Lodge

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge 

Low Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens 

Day 13: Golden Monkey Habituation Exercise, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, set off for the national park for the Golden Monkey habituation experience which allows you up to 4 hours with the monkeys.
The monkeys are primarily to be found in the bamboo forest that skirt the lower slopes of the volcanoes. The monkeys are very active in the canopy of the bamboo where your guides mimic their calls to follow the group. 

Mgahinga is more famous for mountain gorillas but also the only place in Uganda where the rare golden monkeys can be found. Apart from primates, the park has rare bird species, some endemic to the Albertine Rift area such as scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, mountain yellow warblers, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, Archer’s robin-chat, and many more.

We then take a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi taking you through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape. A short drive leads us to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi where we can relax and enjoy some reflection time. With its fresh water, bilharzia-free and beautiful landscapes, Lake Bunyonyi is a small paradise for travelers.

Overnight 

Top Luxury, Luxury, and Midrange: Birdnest Lake Bunyonyi Lodge

Low Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Day 14: Canoe Trekking, Drive to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, set out for a 5-hour canoe trek as well as bird watching on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, traversing to the gorgeous Kyabahinga peninsula. Here you will be gladly welcomed with songs plus dances by the resident school children. You will enjoy with the locals at least a cup of “Obushera” which is a local brew. You will ascend the Kyabahinga slopes having a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the birdlife and the verdant terrain. The view is very breathtaking! The guide will certainly brief you about the history of the area.
Among the bird species, you will see are the Dusky Turtle Dove, the Handsome Francolin, and Alpine Chat. A renowned herbalist who is a tradition healer -Omugurusi Jeremiah, based on the hill top will disclose to you some of the secretes about the flora on the tropical highland. 

We will then take a 3-hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a small but picturesque national park renowned for its herds of antelope and one of the only two Ugandan parks home to Burchell's zebra. The park is also especially good for acacia-associated birds.

Overnight 

Top up-market and Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Medium: Rwakobo Rock Lodge | Lake Mburo Safari Lodge 

Low Budget: Mburo Eagles Nest | Rangelands Safari Camp 

Day 15: Lake Mburo National Park Game Drive, Return to Entebbe

Rise early for breakfast before a short drive to the Rwonyo Park headquarters.

This has often been a good chance of seeing hyenas coming back to their dens, hippos walking back to the water, you will see buffalo, zebra, impala and topi and with a bit of luck maybe even a sitatunga, an antelope rarely seen living in the papyrus swamps.

After your early morning activities, return to the lodge for a late breakfast and later,  you will be driven to the lake to meet your captain of the day who will take you for a two-hour boat excursion. Lake Mburo boat cruise is an opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds such as the African fish eagle and the rare African fin foot. Many animals such as buffaloes and antelopes gather here to drink some water so an opportunity to enjoy wildlife most especial marine animals.

We then bid farewell to the park’s friendly staff as we depart for Entebbe. En route, we will stop at the Equator for photographs and ‘polar-water experiment', then local community crafts shops and fruit markets.

We will be in Entebbe in the evening before your flight back home.

 

 

Murchison River Lodge

Murchison River Lodge is scenically located on the southern bank of the River Nile overlooking Murchison Falls National Park, pods of hippos, and papyrus islands.

The Family owned Murchison River Lodge offers comfortable mid-range accommodation for families, couples, groups, and individuals. It boasts of an intimate lodge restaurant, bar, and terrace bar with an extensive wine list and carefully crafted food menu. A complimentary tea and fresh coffee is available from 4 pm. Beneath a large thatched roof is where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the River Nile and Murchison Falls National Park. From this vantage point, visitors are able to view African elephants, hippos, and waterbuck wading through the water to graze on the islands. Power shortage is never in the lodges' vocabulary, because everything on-site runs off solar, including the fridges and freezers.

Our visitors are assured of Re-energizing, de-stressing, and relaxing at the Murchison River lodge's fabulous pool. The pool is well set amongst trees with a view of the River Nile. The baby pool is adjacent to the main pool with the right depth for babies and toddlers in order to keep them active and entertained. The thatched pool lounge is open from dawn until dusk and contains a shower/changing room, toilet, handwashing facility, and pool towels. Do not worry about keeping in touch with your friends and family! Free Wi-fi is available.

The lodge has cottages, camping sites, and en-suite thatched safari tents. The 4 thatched spacious cottages have attractive furnishing making each one unique whereas, the furnished en-suite thatched safari tents are on the level ground amongst the bush, with three positioned close to the river bank. All tents are twin shared, although four of them can include a third bed and a baby cot if required (handy when traveling with young children) and have an outside area complete with safari chairs and table.

The 5 comfortable camping tents are on level ground around the large campsite area at the back of the property, away from the river. The furnished covered tents are located in the bush and guests have use of the spacious and clean shower and toilet block positioned next to the campsite main entrance.

Upon departure, we encourage our visitors to purchase African crafts in the Lions Den Craft Shop is located in the car park. The local crafts are made and purchased from within Uganda.

Kibale Forest Camp is suited off Fort port-Kamwenge, subsequent to the park’s edge.

The camp is well designed with about 7 safari tents; containing double beds with an en-suite bathroom along with an eco-friendly toilet. The verandah will give you a perfect view of the colobus monkeys in the forest.

Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge

Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge is situated on the shores of Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Muhokya sub-county, near Kahendero Fishing Village.

The lodge has about 10 special suites constructed with stones, thatched and are located in a secreted setting with enough space to do personal work.

The design of the suits leads you to the main lodge and after connects you to the bush. Whichever corner of the lodge you are in, you have a magnificent view of the forest, the windows lodge are glass thus give you a perfect view of nature.

Among the services provided include telephone, internet with a fully well-stocked bar. The rooms are air-conditioned with up-to-date bathrooms and toilets.

Meals are served in spacious dining overlooking the magnificent Lake George in order to deliver a relaxing and comfortable feel of the Lake breeze as the sun sets calmly over the horizon.
Breakfast comprises of a full English breakfast containing freshly made juice, Eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, grilled tomato & toast accompanied by CAFE PAP Coffee or Tea. Breakfast is served from 6:30 am to 10: 00 am.

A light lunch is offered to all guests, that is, a variety of pasta, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Guests who need to have a packed lunch for the game drive are given an exclusive light pack accompanied by picnic juice.

After dinner, all guests are escorted to their cottages by the lodge guide.

 

Engagi Lodge

Engagi Lodge is a small and exclusive property on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest, close to the park headquarters. The lodge is open-ended at the front allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi National Park from every corner inside the building.

The accommodation consists of eight en-suite Cottages which are evenly spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each Cottage has either double or twin beds, a bathroom with flushing toilets, and hot and cold running water. All units have private verandahs where guests can enjoy their early morning tea or coffee.

The kitchen, which has been built a distance away from the lodge to ensure privacy for the clients, prepares a variety of three-course meals, and all requirements such as vegetarians and vegans are catered for by our team of experienced Kampala trained chefs. The main lodge comprises a rock bar, a restaurant, and a large wooden verandah with a separate outdoor viewing platform. The lodge building is large enough to cater for sizeable groups needing banqueting tables but still allows smaller individual groups to spread out in the various different areas for privacy.

Kyaninga Lodge (Upscale Option)

The Lodge and Cottages

The exceptional design and sheer scale of the main lodge is immediately apparent from the moment one crests the hill and Kyaninga Lodge comes into view. Once inside, the lodge offers comfortable seating areas set around an imposing double-sided open fireplace where one can enjoy a cozy evening over a good book, a board game, or a drink from the bar. The main building also houses the restaurant, where delicious meals compete with stunning views on both sides. Two raised galleries offer intimate spaces for those wishing to absorb the panorama in a more private setting. On the lakeside, the main lodge leads to two decks furnished with comfortable loungers, while steps were hewn from local volcanic rock lead down to the swimming pool and on to two lawned terraces overlooking the deep blue water and primeval forest of Lake Kyaninga itself. For those not quite wishing to really get away from it all, wireless Internet access is provided throughout the main lodge building.

Kyaninga Lodge’s eight cottages are built on platforms and set apart to offer privacy and tranquility. Access to the cottages from the main lodge is via a raised wooden walkway. Each spacious cottage is beautifully appointed with a choice of twin or double beds made up with the softest bedlinens and feather pillows. An indoor sitting area leads out to a private deck where one can enjoy morning tea or coffee and views over the lake and the Mountains of the Moon beyond. The en suite bathrooms boast marble countertop basins set atop beautifully crafted Elgon Olive pedestals, claw-footed freestanding baths, glass-walled showers, and plenty of hot water from solar water heaters. Lighting in the cottages is also solar-powered, and each cottage features an electrical socket for the charging of laptops and other appliances, providing the comforts of home in an extraordinary setting. Extra beds, hypoallergenic pillows, and bedding are available on request.

Primate Lodge (Mid-Level Option)

Primate Lodge in Kibale is an exclusive eco-lodge situated in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. It is surrounded by a lush tropical forest that is home to 13 different species of primates, including chimpanzees.

Privately secluded in the rainforest, this safari lodge offers you a truly authentic jungle experience and is the perfect gateway for tracking the primates in Uganda.

Discover a place where the serene silence is only interrupted by the melodious sounds of the numerous forest birds. A place that combines comfort with adventure and perfectly blends with the natural environment...

Primate Lodge Kibale features an exclusive camp with eight superior safari tents, seven comfortable forest cottages, and an adventurous Tree House. All rooms are privately situated within the forest, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Free WIFI is available in public areas.

Mweya Lodge (Upscale Deluxe Rooms, Mid-Level Standard Rooms)

Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the 'Mountains of the Moon'.

To the east, lie the guardians of the birthplace of mankind, the Great Rift Valley hills, separated from the Mountains of the Moon by the meandering Kazinga Channel. Here the water flows endlessly into two giant lakes – Lake George and Lake Edward.

Each room at Mweya Safari Lodge has a breathtaking view of the Kazinga channel. You can watch the forest hogs grazing the grass outside, as well as the odd curious hippo! The cuisine is of the highest quality, presenting a range of exquisite Continental, Indian and International cuisine.

The Mweya Health Club and spa offers treatments to revitalize you after a long day out in the game park.


Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge is situated in Uganda in the idyllic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, well known for being home to the rare and elusive mountain gorilla. From the private veranda of each cottage, guests can enjoy views overlooking the forest whilst relaxing and taking in the stunning natural surrounds. Buhoma is an ideal accommodation for guests interested in gorilla trekking, being closely located to the meeting point for the treks.

There are ten comfortable cottages at Buhoma Lodge, each complete with a private veranda offering superb views of the forest. Cottages are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings, but each is comfortable and spacious. Each cottage has en-suite facilities, and some provide bathtubs.

Meals are taken in the main, elevated lounge area, and are prepared using local ingredients to create international cuisine. Located in the lounge, the bar is the perfect place to relax after the day's activities or enjoy a drink around the fireplace.

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge has no other lodge like it in all of Africa – a unique – one of a kind luxury lodge sitting on Chameleon Hill.

We live in a sea of sameness, of similarities, where even lodges follow certain styles and patterns, and then there is the one-of-a-kind Chameleon Hill Lodge, unlike any other lodge in Uganda.

Just driving up the ridge and seeing the Lodge for the first time with of its varied hues of colors that seem to twinkle in the sun like Joseph’s multi-colored coat is an experience in itself.

Chameleon Hill Lodge is the creation of someone who walks to their own drumbeat, someone who is uniquely themselves and brought to fruition an inner dream of a castle on a hill overlooking Lake Mutanda and like the bright array of colors you will find in the chameleons of this area so Chameleon Hill with its array of brilliant colors lives up to is the name “Chameleon Hill Lodge.”

Step through the castle doors into the main lodge and you are entering a world of utmost comfort – a dining area where you can enjoy a superb breakfast, great lunch, and a most memorable three-course dinner – if you have special dietary needs of one kind or another the capable chef can accommodate you to your satisfaction.

There is a comfortable sitting area here and in the evening a crackling fire will warm you – it does get a bit cold in this part of Uganda but you will be delighted by the fine selection of wines the lodge has to offer – simply all-around class and style.

Enjoy the sunset from here – take in the majestic – almost mystical Lake Mutanda below you and the majestic Mufumbiro Mountains – Mountains that cook – the Virunga Volcanoes. It all is an amazing array of sights, colors – one of Uganda’s most amazing, comfortable, and luxurious locations along Lake Mutanda.

Your room is an individual cottage and of course, it is en suite with bath and the water is heated with propane which means a superb hot shower, something that on safari at times can be lacking.

The room of your cottage is colorful in and out, very functional and practical with quality furniture throughout as in the main lodge. There is also excellent bedding with other out of the normal things and needed in this colder part of Uganda...a duvet on your bed and if that is not enough, extra blankets are there for your comfort. There is also a safe for each cottage to keep your things safe and secure during your stay here. It seems almost everything seems to be thought of.

Activities – there are many – some such as canoeing in a dugout canoe on Lake Mutanda, hikes through villages and forest, birding, and of course activities that we have you scheduled for such as volcano climbing, golden monkey tracking, an interactive walk with the first people of the forest, the Batwa people all in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, There are also the activities in the southern end of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do and see while staying at Chameleon Hill Lodge - no other lodge like it and the added plus is the view.

Included

• Behind the Scenes experience at Uganda Wildlife Education Center
• Our exclusive 4 hours gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale National Park
• Lion tracking experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Golden monkey habituation experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Rhinos tracking in Ziwa Sanctuary
• Game drives and boat trips in Murchison Falls National Park
• Kazinga Channel boat safari
• Other game viewing permits
• Land cruiser game drives
• Accommodation with meals indicated on programme
• Bottled drinking water on the vehicle
• Services of a good experienced English speaking tour guide/driver
• Transport on tour as well as hotel transfers

Excluded

• Tips for drivers and other staff
• Flight tickets and departure taxes
• Travel documentation (visas)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Optional excursion
• Beverages other than mineral water in the vehicle